Court Suspends Ecuador’s Vice President Abad for Alleged Gender Violence

Ecuador’s Vice President Veronica Abad has been suspended for two years and fined for gender violence, following a controversial court ruling. She claims political motives underlie her suspension, asserting it detracts from significant national crises. Abad plans to appeal the decision amid rising tensions in the Ecuadorian government, with her succession to the presidency now in question.

An Ecuadorian judge has suspended Vice President Veronica Abad’s political rights for two years, imposing a fine of USD $14,100, following a ruling on February 27. Judge Guillermo Ortega Caicedo cited her culpability in gender violence, thus jeopardizing Abad’s ability to fulfill her official duties and threatening her role as Vice President. Abad contends that the ruling is politically motivated and asserts that President Daniel Noboa is attempting to marginalize her amidst political turmoil.

This legal action emerges after Foreign Minister Gabriela Sommerfeld accused Abad of political gender violence in October 2024, leading to the judge’s determination that Abad had violated electoral laws, specifically Articles 278 and 279 of the Democratic Code. The judge criticized Abad for promoting gender stereotypes to undermine Sommerfeld’s reputation via social media. This decision occurs shortly after Abad’s earlier suspension was overturned, which stemmed from her failure to abandon her post as ordered by the Labour Ministry.

In a previous instance, Abad faced a 150-day suspension after delayed travel from Israel to Turkey. Abad claims this incident highlighted attempts by President Noboa to diminish her political stature, expressing that his tactics could involve extreme measures to block her succession. Following the annulment of her suspension, tensions within the right-wing government have escalated as they prepare for a runoff election on May 24 against leftist candidate Luisa González.

Addressing the media, Abad argued that her suspension serves as a distraction from more pressing societal issues such as the violent disappearance of four Afro-descendant boys. She urged the public not to be misled by the situation, emphasizing the need to focus on critical challenges facing Ecuador. Currently, Planning Minister Sariha Moya is fulfilling the role of acting Vice President until the situation regarding Abad is resolved. As the ruling allows Abad a three-day period to appeal, the judicial process is anticipated to take up to three months.

In summary, Vice President Veronica Abad has been suspended for two years following a court ruling that she committed gender violence. She claims this decision is politically charged, aimed at undermining her authority amidst ongoing political crises in Ecuador. Abad has indicated intentions to appeal the ruling while the acting Vice President, Sariha Moya, continues her duties in the interim. The political landscape remains tense as the nation approaches significant elections, and Abad’s allegations of distraction tactics highlight critical issues within governance.

Original Source: latinamericareports.com