A court in Ecuador has sentenced former President Lenín Moreno, 73, to five years in prison after finding him guilty of bribery charges. The conviction stems from a corruption case involving the Coca Codo Sinclair hydroelectric project, which has been the subject of long-standing legal scrutiny in the country. In addition to the prison term, the court has imposed a permanent prohibition on Moreno, barring him from ever holding public office again.

While the sentencing marks a significant legal development in Ecuadorian politics, the case has been characterized by complex legal proceedings and allegations of systemic corruption during Moreno’s tenure. The court’s decision to bar him from future public service effectively ends his political career. As of now, the legal team representing the former president has not publicly detailed their plans for an appeal, though such high-profile corruption cases in Ecuador are frequently subject to lengthy appellate processes. The sentencing highlights ongoing efforts by the Ecuadorian judiciary to address allegations of graft involving high-ranking officials from previous administrations.