While Cepeda has described the visits as part of a “humanitarian mission,” Uribe’s defense rejects that claim and says Monsalve’s testimony was obtained under duress and false promises, including political exile. Among the most serious allegations, Uribe’s defense claims that his phone was wiretapped illegally as part of a separate investigation, and that privileged attorney-client conversations were later introduced as evidence in the trial. “These were not only illegal wiretaps – they were unconstitutional violations of privacy and legal representation,” said Jaime Granados, one of Colombia’s most respected criminal defense attorneys and head of Uribe’s legal team. She reportedly denied Uribe’s defense team access to critical digital evidence and adequate time to prepare, and rejected a formal motion for her recusal. “President Uribe, in these very tough and complex times you are facing, I send you all my solidarity, trust, and affection,” she wrote.