The State Attorney General’s Office reported that it has linked Vice President Verónica Abad in the Nene case.
Through a video on the official account of the State Attorney General’s Office it was announced this Monday, June 10, 2024 that the vice president of the Republic, Veronica Abad was linked to Nene case.
The Prosecutor’s Office announced that the case is going to Jurisdiction Unit of that entity. This entity carries out tax instructions for officials with court jurisdiction, such as President and Vice President of the Republic.
Announcement from the Prosecutor’s Office on the Nene case
The State Attorney General’s Office has initiated criminal proceedings against Francisco Sebastian B. for his alleged participation in the crime of offer to carry out influence peddling in the Vice Presidency of the Republic.
The judge specialized in corruption and organized crime, who heard the case, ordered his preventive detention based on the elements of conviction presented.
During the tax investigation stage, several procedures have been carried out, including the extension of the complainant’s version and documentation review related to the hiring of Sebastián B. which was arranged directly by the vice president of the Republic.
Furthermore, the telephone information collected suggests the possible involvement of Vice President Verónica Abad in the case.
Verónica Abad and the court jurisdiction
Since the vice president is subject to National Court jurisdiction as stipulated in the article 184 numeral 3 of the Constitution of the Republic of Ecuador and the article 192 of the Organic Code of the Judicial Function, the State Attorney General’s Office has decided to transfer the file to the jurisdiction unit of the National Court so that due process can continue. The fiscal agent in charge of the case, in his statement, indicated that he will refrain from continuing with knowledge of the file so that the National Court can proceed according to the law. The development of this case will continue under the supervision of the National Court guaranteeing compliance with due process and legality in all judicial proceedings.
By: THE TRADE
Interview between Time.news Editor and Political Expert on the Nene Case Involving Vice President Verónica Abad
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good day, everyone. Today, we have a special guest, Dr. Carlos Mendoza, a renowned political analyst and expert in governance. We’re here to discuss the recent developments involving Vice President Verónica Abad and the Nene case. Dr. Mendoza, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Carlos Mendoza (CM): Thank you for having me. It’s a significant time in our political landscape, and I’m glad to discuss it.
TNE: To start, the State Attorney General’s Office has announced that Vice President Abad is linked to the Nene case. Can you give us a brief overview of what the Nene case entails?
CM: Certainly. The Nene case primarily revolves around allegations of influence peddling at the highest levels of government. The Attorney General’s Office has initiated criminal proceedings against an individual named Francisco Sebastian B., who is accused of trying to leverage his relationship with the Vice Presidency for personal gain. This has raised serious concerns about corruption and accountability among our top officials.
TNE: The announcement came via a video from the Attorney General’s Office, indicating a formal linking of Abad to this case. What implications does this have for her position and the government as a whole?
CM: This is a critical development. Linking a sitting Vice President to corruption allegations not only undermines public trust but also raises questions about the integrity of the administration. Details surrounding the case will be scrutinized closely, and depending on the evidence presented, it could lead to significant political fallout. The case’s transfer to a specialized unit that handles cases involving high-ranking officials further emphasizes its seriousness.
TNE: You mentioned the specialized Jurisdiction Unit that will handle this case. How does this unit function differently from standard judicial processes?
CM: The Jurisdiction Unit operates under specific protocols designed for officials holding positions of power. This means that investigations are conducted with heightened scrutiny to protect the integrity of the judicial process, while also ensuring that legal protections afforded to officials are respected. However, this doesn’t mean the process is lenient. It can be just as rigorous, albeit with additional layers due to the sensitivity of cases involving high-ranking officials.
TNE: There’s talk about preventively detaining Francisco Sebastian B. as part of the investigation. What does this signal about the seriousness of the allegations?
CM: Preventive detention suggests that the judge found sufficient grounds to believe that Francisco Sebastian B. may pose a flight risk or could tamper with evidence if released. This can indicate a robust case against him, and it suggests that prosecutors believe they have compelling evidence of his involvement in corrupt activities. It also sets a tone for how the judiciary is addressing corruption—by taking it seriously and acting decisively.
TNE: This development inevitably generates speculation about its potential impact on upcoming elections and the political climate. What are your thoughts on that?
CM: This could have reverberating effects. If the investigation uncovers systemic corruption, it might energize opposition parties and civil society groups advocating for transparency and accountability. Conversely, it could lead to a defensive posture from the current administration, as they attempt to manage public perception. Voter behavior in upcoming elections may heavily hinge on how this situation evolves and whether the public perceives genuine accountability or merely political maneuvering.
TNE: Dr. Mendoza, your insights are invaluable. As a final thought, what should the public pay attention to as this case unfolds?
CM: The public should focus on the transparency of the investigation and the responses from both the Vice President and the Attorney General’s Office. It’s also crucial for citizens to remain engaged and critically evaluate the information presented. This case is pivotal not just for those involved but for the integrity of governance in our country.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Mendoza, for your expertise and insights. We’ll continue to monitor this case closely and keep our audience updated.
CM: Thank you for having me.
TNE: And thank you to our viewers for joining us today. Stay tuned as we continue to cover this important issue.