Ecuador VP Removed, Accused of Taking Bribes

Ecuadorean President Lenin Moreno "let go" of his Vice President Maria Alejandra Vicuña at her request so that she can exercise her right to defense until Dec. 31. The Vice-Presidency went to Jose Augusto Briones who was the Secretary General of the Presidency. 

RELATED:

Why No Outrage Over Ecuador's Illegal Constituent Assembly?

Vicuña had been accused of receiving bribes while she was a lawmaker in return for giving jobs.

Angel Sagbay, a former adviser in the office of Vicuña, claimed in a sworn statement that he worked for Vicuña in two different positions, and in order to get the positions, he had to make monthly payments of between US$300 and US$1,400 dollars from 2011 to 2013 directly to Vicuña.

Vicuña wrote on Twitter, "This morning I asked the President @Lenin for permission to exercise my legitimate right to defense and not affect the management of government, especially the functions entrusted to me."

 

"I have nothing to hide and I will never participate in actions that are not attached to ethics, which is indeed the flag I have raised throughout my life and the characteristic of my actions, both public and private," she said denying all allegations against her. "There have been accusations against Vice President Maria Alejandra Vicuña. I cannot act as a judge," said President Moreno Wednesday. 

The State Attorney General's Office started legal proceedings against Vicuña Monday.