The U.S. State Department has banned former Ecuadorian president, Rafael Correa, and his deputy, Jorge Glas, from entering the United States due to their involvement in significant corruption during their time in office. The Biden administration alleges that both men accepted bribes, including political contributions, in exchange for government contracts.
This ban falls under Section 7031(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act. Correa, who has been living in exile in Belgium since 2017, reacted to the decision on social media, claiming innocence.
The decision also affects their immediate family members. Correa and Glas have faced legal troubles in Ecuador, with Correa being convicted in 2020 of being the leader of a bribery network. Several members of their government were also sentenced for bribery and barred from public office.
Correa believes the U.S. ban may be retaliation for his support of Julian Assange. The decision comes amidst an energy crisis and escalating violence in Ecuador, distracting from the failures of the current government.
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