Lima, Peru - Former Peruvian President Ollanta Humala has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for money laundering, a Peruvian court ruled on Tuesday. The charges stem from allegations that Humala accepted illicit campaign funds from Brazilian construction giant Odebrecht during his presidential campaigns in 2006 and 2011. Prosecutors successfully argued that Humala knowingly received the funds, violating campaign finance laws.
Simultaneously, Brazil has granted diplomatic asylum to Humala's wife, Nadine Heredia, who is also implicated in the money laundering scandal. Heredia sought asylum in the Brazilian embassy in Lima, claiming political persecution. The Brazilian government's decision has added a layer of complexity to the situation and could strain relations between Peru and Brazil.
Humala, who served as president of Peru from 2011 to 2016, has consistently denied the charges, claiming they are politically motivated. His legal team has vowed to appeal the verdict. The Odebrecht scandal has implicated numerous politicians across Latin America, highlighting the pervasive issue of corruption in the region. The case continues to unfold as legal challenges are expected.
Ex-Peru President Humala Jailed; Wife Gets Brazil Asylum
Former Peruvian President Ollanta Humala was sentenced to 15 years in prison on Tuesday for money laundering. The court found he accepted illegal campaign donations from a Brazilian company. Meanwhile, Brazil has granted diplomatic asylum to Humala's wife, Nadine Heredia, creating a complex diplomatic situation.
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