Former Panamanian President Varela Barred from Entering US Amidst Corruption Allegations
Former Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela Rodriguez barred from entering the US due to alleged corruption charges, including money laundering and accepting bribes. US hopes this will push Panama to address corruption issues. Varela is one of two presidents charged in the Odebrecht scandal.
Former Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela Rodriguez has been barred from entering the United States by Washington over alleged corruption, according to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Varela has been charged with money laundering in Panama, along with other high-ranking figures.
The #US has banned former Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela Rodriguez from entering the US for his “involvement in significant corruption,” Secretary of State Antony #Blinken says. pic.twitter.com/1YjNchUbRB
— Rohan Baig (@RohanBaig95011) July 14, 2023
Blinken stated that Varela accepted bribes while serving as vice president and president of Panama, in exchange for improperly awarding government contracts.
The US hopes that this action will encourage Panama to address its issues of corruption and promote the rule of law.
Varela is one of two Panamanian presidents charged in the Odebrecht scandal, which involved bribes and public works contracts in multiple Latin American countries.
The trial involving 36 suspects, including Varela and former President Ricardo Martinelli, will begin in August. Odebrecht settled bribery-related charges in 2016, agreeing to pay $3.5 billion.
