The Anti-Corruption Appeal Court in Ecuador has scheduled a hearing for Danilo Carrera, the brother-in-law of former president Guillermo Lasso, and Antonio Icaza, former general manager of the National Electricity Corporation (CNEL), to present their appeal against a previous conviction in the Encuentro case. This hearing is set for April 9, following their sentencing that took place one year and five months earlier. In an unprecedented move, the judges are calling for this appeal after nearly a year since the original judgment was released on October 8, 2025.

On November 20, 2024, the court unanimously sentenced Carrera to ten years in prison as the direct author of the crimes committed, while Icaza received a more severe sentence of nine years and four months as an accomplice. The written judgment, which includes 355 pages, was issued nearly a year after the oral ruling. This long delay has raised questions regarding the judicial process and the efficiency of anti-corruption efforts in the country.

The case has significant implications for Ecuador's political landscape, especially considering Carrera's ties to former President Lasso. The convictions and ongoing appeals highlight concerns about corruption within high-ranking government officials and may impact public trust in the judicial system's ability to hold powerful figures accountable. As the April hearing approaches, the public will be eyeing the court's proceedings and potential responses from the accused, as this case continues to unfold within the broader context of Ecuador's ongoing struggle against corruption.