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Why is the Ecuadorian VP refusing to go to jail?
FILE PHOTO: Ecuador's then-Vice President Jorge Glas talks during an interview with Reuters at the Government Palace in Quito, Ecuador, August 29, 2017. REUTERS/Daniel Tapia/File Photo
Former Vice President Jorge Glas of Ecuador is set to challenge a judge’s decision demanding his return to prison, citing concerns about the potential dangers he may face.
Glas, who has faced corruption convictions on two occasions, recently sought political asylum from Mexico, alleging persecution by the Ecuadorian attorney general’s office. Since December 17, he has been residing as a “guest” inside the Mexican Embassy in Quito. Glas’ lawyer has filed an appeal against the judge’s ruling, stressing the perceived threat to his client’s life.
At the age of 54, Jorge Glas received a six-year prison sentence in 2017 upon being convicted of accepting bribes from the Brazilian construction company Odebrecht. This was in exchange for granting the company government contracts. In 2020, he faced another eight-year prison sentence, along with former President Rafael Correa, for utilizing funds from contractors to support political campaigns for Correa’s movement.
Glas has experienced a series of incarcerations and releases. His latest release occurred in November 2022 after serving five years of his sentences. While he is permitted to move freely within Ecuador, he is restricted from leaving the country for the duration of his remaining sentences.
Ecuadorian authorities declared there are no threats to Glas’ life, but he only wants to escape jail and run into another Latin country to escape jail.
