Ecuador: Judge Nubia Vera Reports Threats Following Ruling in Favor of Vice President Verónica Abad

Vera also emphasized that administrative proceedings were initiated without granting her the right to a defense, which she considers a violation of her rights as a magistrate. Dec 23, 2024 Photo: El Vistazo

December 23, 2024 Hour: 8:37 pm

“The president of the Council of the Judiciary, Mario Godoy, and other officials have threatened to dismiss me if I ruled against it,” said Vera, who assured that her decision was based on a transparent legal process.

Ecuadorian judge Nubia Vera has raised concerns about her safety and that of her family after receiving threats related to her recent ruling in favor of Vice President Verónica Abad.

In a statement to local media, Vera revealed that she has been subjected to coercion and intimidation following the lifting of Abad’s 150-day suspension from her duties.

The judge held Daniel Noboa’s government directly responsible for her well-being, stating that she has faced pressure from senior judicial officials. “The president of the Council of the Judiciary, Mario Godoy, and other officials have threatened to dismiss me if I ruled against it,” said Vera, who assured that her decision was based on a transparent legal process.

#ATENCIÓN | Al borde de las lágrimas, la jueza Nubia Vera denunció amenazas e intimidación en su contra por parte del presidente de la Judicatura, Mario Godoy, para que falle a favor del gobierno en la acción de protección interpuesta por la vicepresidenta Verónica Abad. La… pic.twitter.com/ir7WiJAIlO
— La Calle (@radiolacalle) December 23, 2024

In her ruling, the judge accepted the appeal filed by Abad and ordered the Ministry of Labor to dismiss the administrative proceedings that had led to the vice president’s suspension. Vera also emphasized that administrative proceedings were initiated without granting her the right to a defense, which she considers a violation of her rights as a magistrate.

“Administrative proceedings are already being brought against me without giving me the right to defend myself; they are already drawn in the provincial court to declare an inexcusable error against me,” Vera emphasized, highlighting the climate of harassment she is facing.

Nubia Vera’s decision allows Verónica Abad to return to her position as the elected vice president, thus regaining her role after a period marked by political and judicial tensions. This case has underscored the complexities of the Ecuadorian judicial system and the pressures faced by officials responsible for administering justice in a volatile political context.