WASHINGTON/SAN SALVADOR (Reuters) – The United States on Thursday announced new sanctions against public officials and Central American businessmen accused of possible acts of corruption in their countries, a protest against abuses of resources and rights abuses by the US government. In the midst of the Crusades. Area.
With the measure, US officials want to freeze assets and restrict the entry of targeted individuals and their families into the US, under the so-called Magnitsky Law, which cancels visas for individuals charged with corruption and human rights violations. gives.
The Treasury Department cited Carolina Raquinos, chief of staff to El Salvador President Nayib Bukele, for allegedly leading a corruption scheme during the coronavirus pandemic and delivering food packages to government party Novas Ideas candidates during the campaign for February’s legislative elections. Did.
Reckinos wrote on his Twitter account, “They point out ‘presumed irregularities’ and, with complete impunity and lies, are trying to sabotage the project that only concerns the people of Salvador. ”
“As always, subject to law and due process, it will be proved that this is a political allegation and not to fight corruption,” he said.
The US Treasury Department also sanctioned Manuel Martinez, the former Guatemalan Santa Rosa Department of Health director, for participating in corruption activities on behalf of companies at the start of the coronavirus pandemic.
“Acts of corruption take away resources from citizens, undermine public confidence and threaten the progress of those fighting for democracy,” Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said.
(Reporting by Simon Lewis in Washington and Nelson Renteria in San Salvador)
