U.S. Bans Former Ecuador Leaders Amid Corruption Controversy

The U.S. State Department has banned former Ecuador President Rafael Correa and Vice President Jorge Glas along with their families from entering the U.S. due to involvement in corruption. Correa and Glas face allegations of accepting bribes for favorable government contracts. Both deny the charges, citing political persecution.

The U.S. State Department announced on Wednesday that it has barred former Ecuador President Rafael Correa and former Vice President Jorge Glas from entering the United States. The action follows allegations of corruption involving the acceptance of bribes in exchange for granting favorable government contracts.

In addition to the former leaders, the ban extends to their spouses and children. Correa, who resides in Belgium following a corruption conviction and prison sentence in Ecuador, criticized the U.S. decision as unjust. He claims the conviction was politically motivated.

Jorge Glas, who was imprisoned in Ecuador on corruption charges, faced additional controversy this year after a suicide attempt and hunger strike in prison. Legal disputes between Mexico and Ecuador emerged when Glas, living in the Mexican embassy in Quito, was arrested, leading to mutual accusations of international law violations.

(With inputs from agencies.)