U.S. Visa Suspension for Rafael Correa Amid Corruption Convictions
The United States has suspended the visas of former Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa and his former vice president, Jorge Glas, following their convictions for significant corruption during their time in office. Correa, who served from 2007 to 2017, is currently living in Belgium after being sentenced to eight years in prison for bribery related to the 'Bribes 2012-2016' case. He has consistently claimed his innocence, arguing that the charges against him were politically motivated and that the U.S. has no right to impose entry restrictions on him and his family.
According to the U.S. State Department, both Correa and Glas are barred from entering the country due to their involvement in corruption, which includes accepting bribes for favorable government contracts. The visa ban extends to their immediate family members, including Correa's wife and children, and Glas's wife and son. Correa has criticized the basis of his conviction, which included allegations of 'psychic influence' over his associates, and claims that several countries have granted asylum to individuals involved in the case.
Meanwhile, Jorge Glas, who has faced multiple corruption convictions, was recently arrested after attempting to seek asylum at the Mexican Embassy in Quito. Glas, who was initially imprisoned in 2017 and released in 2022, now faces additional legal challenges linked to embezzlement related to reconstruction efforts following an earthquake in 2016. Both men maintain that they are victims of political persecution.
Fabricio Colón Pico Sentenced for Intimidation of Prosecutor
In a separate legal development, Ecuadorian criminal gang member Fabricio Colón Pico has been sentenced to five years in prison for intimidating prosecutor Diana Salazar. Colón Pico was found guilty of sending death threats to Salazar, which included a video showing armed men threatening her life. The evidence presented during the trial confirmed that the threats originated from Colón Pico, despite his denial of the accusations.
Colón Pico, who escaped from prison earlier this year amid widespread violence in Ecuador, was apprehended again in April. He faces numerous charges, including organized crime and drug trafficking, highlighting the ongoing security challenges in the country. His case underscores the precarious situation surrounding law enforcement and the judiciary in Ecuador as they confront organized crime.
