The government of United States has named several political and judicial leaders, which include ex-presidents, judges and lawmakers, in its corruption list.
The recently published list pinpoints individuals that “have knowingly” taken part in acts that undermine democratic processes or institutions, “in significant corruption, or in obstruction of investigations into such acts of corruption.”
In a recent press release, Matthew Miller, a spokesperson for the State Department, said: “Today (July 19), the Secretary of State transmitted a report to Congress required by Section 353 of the United States–Northern Triangle Enhanced Engagement Act, as amended, and announced 10 Guatemalan, 10 Honduran, 13 Nicaraguan, and six Salvadoran individuals as identified on this year’s iteration of Section 353 Corrupt and Undemocratic Actors list.”
The U.S. Department of State added public figures from Central America, including former presidents and judges to its new list of the most corrupt individuals.
Miller remarked that corruption and other practices that “undermine democracy in Central America lead to instability and drive irregular migration.”
A recent VOA report stated there were around 40 public officials from Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala.
Two former presidents of El Salvador were added to the list: Mauricio Funes, who ruled from 2009 to 2014, and his successor, Salvador Sanchez.
The US government accused them of corruption, money laundering, and misappropriation of public funds.
While presenting the report, Brian Nichols, assistant secretary of state for Western Hemisphere affairs, said: “Corruption, a root cause of irregular migration, harms our national security.”
Meanwhile, Guatemala officials include Fredy Orellana, the judge that suspended a party opposed to corruption after Bernardo Arevalo, the presidential candidate of the party, received enough support to compete in a runoff election on August 20.
Also included are politicians from the opposition Liberal Party of Honduras, led by Yani Rosenthal, who according to reports has been convicted of money laundering in the U.S.
Rosenthal tweeted that he “categorically rejects the unfounded accusations made in the list.”
The government of Guatemala has also rejected the report, labelling it as a report “used by the United States to impose its jurisdiction on people abroad, as despicable.”
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