United States bars former President of Panama from its territory for corruption

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced in a statement on Thursday that the United States has banned former Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela from entering its territory on charges of "engaging in significant corruption."

Blinken stated, "As Vice President (2009-2014) and then President (2014-2019), Varela accepted bribes in exchange for irregularly awarding government contracts."

In response, Varela tweeted, "I was a faithful president of a noble and sovereign country, and I will do everything necessary to defend my honor and the honor of my family."

Both Juan Carlos Varela and his predecessor in the presidency of Panama, Ricardo Martinelli, have been under investigation since last year in a money laundering case involving bribes paid by the Brazilian construction company "Odebrecht."

According to the Panamanian judiciary, they received funds from the Brazilian group through fake companies and offshore accounts, a scandal that also affected other leaders in Latin America.

Juan Carlos Varela, who accused his party of receiving $10 million from Odebrecht, has maintained his innocence.

 

 

 

 

AFP