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(CNN Spanish) - The Prosecutor General of Ecuador requested Thursday, in its final allegations, the maximum penalty provided for the crime of bribery - 7 years - for former president Rafael Correa in the case of “Bribes
2012-2016 ”for allegedly receiving irregular funds from Odebrecht and other companies for their political movement, in exchange for the delivery of contracts during their government.
Through its official Twitter account, the Prosecutor's Office indicated that “on the basis of the testimonial, expert and documentary evidence presented, it was determined that there was a structure with hierarchical levels: leaders, coordinators and beneficiaries, who used codifications and criminal jargon to the crime was committed, ”said State Attorney General Diana Salazar.
The former president Correa, also in his Twitter account said that it seems "incredible" to what the State Prosecutor dares and insisted that there is no evidence against him. He added that "happily the only thing that overcomes his bad faith is his ineptitude," referring to Salazar. Correa lives in Belgium since 2017 after finishing his term.
In addition to Correa, the case called “Bribes 2012-2016” involves another 20 former officials and businessmen within the Odebrecht bribe plot in the country.
In January, the judge of the National Court of Justice, Daniella Camacho, accepted the request of prosecutor Diana Salazar, who accused former president Correa of leading a criminal structure to receive money from Odebrecht and other companies for his political movement in return of future contracts with the State.
The crime of bribery, according to the Criminal Code of Ecuador, establishes a custodial sentence ranging from one to seven years. It refers to the official or State officials who receive or accept undue economic benefits for themselves or for third parties in order to omit, expedite or condition issues related to their functions.
During thirteen days of trial, according to the Prosecutor's Office, the lawyers of those involved presented their defense.
Ana María Cañizares contributed to this report.
Rafael Correa