In a shocking turn of events, former Ecuadorian Vice President Jorge Glas has been sentenced to an additional 13 years in prison for embezzling public funds intended for earthquake recovery efforts. Glas, who appeared gaunt and drawn at the National Court of Justice, now faces a staggering prison term that extends his incarceration until 2041, compounding his existing sentences for previous corruption convictions.

The court’s ruling comes as a devastating blow to Glas, who served under leftist President Rafael Correa from 2013 to 2017. His lawyer vehemently argued that there was no evidence of personal gain, labeling the case a politically charged attack. However, the court underscored Glas’s role in mismanaging funds meant to rebuild communities ravaged by the deadly 2016 earthquake, which claimed hundreds of lives.

The dramatic sentencing follows Glas’s controversial arrest last year during a raid at the Mexican embassy in Quito, where he had sought asylum. This incident sparked international outrage and strained diplomatic relations between Mexico and Ecuador. President Daniel Noboa defended the operation, asserting that Glas was a fugitive guilty of corruption, not a victim of political persecution.

Supporters of the ruling celebrated the decision, emphasizing the need for accountability in light of the severe consequences faced by the earthquake-affected regions. Meanwhile, former President Correa, now in exile in Belgium, condemned the sentence as “outrageous” and a blatant miscarriage of justice.

As Glas prepares to appeal the ruling, the ramifications of this case resonate deeply within Ecuador, a nation grappling with a legacy of corruption intertwined with past administrations. The future of Ecuador’s political landscape remains uncertain, as the echoes of Glas’s downfall continue to reverberate throughout the country.