Published: Volume 5, issue 32: Quito mayor on trial for embezzlement; Ombudsman arrested for sexual assault

Ecuadorian Parliament dismisses the Ombudsman Freddy Carrión

The Ecuadorian National Assembly has approved the removal of the Ombudsman, Freddy Carrión, with 75 votes in favor, 47 against and 14 abstentions. His disqualification from the exercise of public office for two years due to non-fulfillment of functions has also been approved.

Carrión is currently in prison on a preventive basis accused of a crime of sexual abuse that would have occurred at a controversial party held last May, in a state of emergency due to the coronavirus pandemic, in the home of former Minister of Health Mauro Falconí. He arrived at Falconí’s house in his official car and with police security.

The scandal was unleashed after the publication of a video in which a woman is seen in the elevator of the former minister’s building, together with the security guard. When the doors are opened, a man, supposedly Carrión, struggles with her and forcibly leads her into a corridor. Then he puts her against the wall, while another man, allegedly Falconí, is next to him. Afterward, both men end up fighting each other.

Police agents came to the apartment alerted by the neighbors. Carrión and Falconí were found there with signs of having been beaten, with bottles of liquor scattered about and loud music playing. Both were detained at that time, although a judge ordered the immediate release of the former minister.

Carrión denies the accusations

Carrión links the accusations he faces to his actions during the October 2019 protests, when he denounced police abuses, and to his investigations of acts of corruption. He said it is important to remember that he still has no convictions against him, and, regarding the controversial party, he maintains that did not attend any “social gatherings.” Rather, he was trying to gather evidence about an alleged plot to vaccinate high-ranking officials by skipping the list of priority groups.