Former Ecuadorian president Lenin Moreno has requested that the country's highest court suspend his five-year prison sentence related to a bribery scheme.

Former Ecuadorian president Lenin Moreno and a former Chinese ambassador to Quito have petitioned the National Court of Justice to overturn their five-year prison sentences. The pair were convicted last week for their involvement in a US$76 million bribery scheme concerning the Coca Codo Sinclair hydroelectric project. The court is scheduled to review the request on September 7.

Details of the Bribery Conviction

A three-judge panel unanimously found that Moreno utilized his position as vice-president, a role he held from 2007 to 2013, to facilitate financing for the Coca Codo Sinclair plant. The project was constructed by Sinohydro, a subsidiary of the Chinese state-owned group PowerChina. Following the ruling, Moreno denied receiving any funds from the contractor, stating he had not received a single cent from Sinohydro.

Status of the Sentence

Moreno has not been detained and remains in Ecuador. Due to his status as a paraplegic, he would serve his sentence at home if the conviction is upheld. Should the court grant his request on September 7, the prison term would be suspended and replaced with alternative conditions, such as periodic reporting.