An El Salvadoran court has sentenced former President Mauricio Funes to six years in prison for tax evasion, marking the second time in a little over a month that the ex-leader has been sentenced in absentia. Funes, who currently resides in Nicaragua, was given a 14-year sentence in late May for negotiating with the country’s powerful street gangs during his presidency from 2009 to 2014.
This is not the first time El Salvador has pursued Funes for alleged crimes. The country has charged him with several offenses in at least six different cases. Funes was granted citizenship by Nicaragua in 2019, further complicating the legal proceedings against him.
The court ruling follows changes to El Salvador’s laws last year that allow trials in absentia. Prosecutors had requested an eight-year sentence for Funes, alleging that he evaded approximately $85,000 in taxes during his last year in office in 2014. In addition to the prison sentence, he has been ordered to pay $200,000 in fines and interest.
Funes is the second former Salvadoran president to be sentenced to prison for illegal activities committed during his administration. In 2018, former President Tony Saca was sentenced to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to diverting over $300 million in state funds. Saca served as Funes’ predecessor, governing from 2004 to 2009.
The latest developments in Funes’ legal cases come amid efforts by El Salvador to combat corruption and hold former public officials accountable for their actions. The government is making strides in ensuring that those who abused their positions for personal gain face the consequences. These efforts demonstrate a commitment to upholding the rule of law and fostering transparency within the country.
It remains to be seen how Funes will respond to the court’s verdict, especially since he resides in Nicaragua, where he has citizenship. The enforcement of his prison sentence might prove challenging due to logistical and legal complexities between the two countries.
El Salvador’s pursuit of justice against former presidents sets a precedent, emphasizing the importance of good governance and accountability for public officials. The consistent enforcement of laws against high-ranking individuals showcases the country’s determination to address corruption and build a better future for its citizens.
The sentencing of Funes serves as a reminder that no one is above the law, regardless of their position or status. By holding individuals accountable for their actions, El Salvador takes a significant step towards establishing a culture of transparency and integrity in its governance.
