Ecuador VP Glas To Face Trial After 2 Months in Detention

Ecuadorean Vice President Jorge Glas will face a trial hearing on Friday for alleged corruption, said the National Court of Justice, after the leftist politician denounced the move as political retaliation.

RELATED:
Ecuador: Vice President Glas' Lawyer Files Habeas Corpus for His Freedom

Glas could face three to five years in prison if there is evidence of his alleged involvement in the Odebrecht bribery scheme.

The trial is scheduled to begin in Quito on Nov. 24, at 8:45 a.m. local time. The court also confirmed it had already chosen the three judges that will lead the process.

Glas, who has been in pre-trial detention since Oct. 2 for this case, said he was innocent and that there is no evidence against him.

Also on Nov. 24, former President Rafael Correa is expected to return to the country to lead the national convention of the ruling party PAIS Alliance, which is currently divided.

Also standing trial are Ricardo Rivera, Gals' uncle; former Comptroller Carlos Polit; and 10 other suspects for their alleged participation in the corruption scheme.

RELATED:
Ecuador VP: I Will Not Resign Because I Am Innocent

During the trial, the prosecution has requested the testimonies of 79 people.

The main allegation comes from Jose Conceicao Santos, former head of Odebrecht in Ecuador, who alleges he paid US$33 million in bribes to several "people connected to the Ecuadorean government" to win contracts.

Glas, a close ally of Correa, said he is facing Odebrecht's revenge for not agreeing to be part of the corruption ring. He has said this was political retaliation for denouncing President Lenin Moreno and his pacts with the country's right wing, including bankers and large business owners.