Judge Carlos Serrano has recused himself from the 'Triple A' case involving Guayaquil Mayor Aquiles Alvarez and 21 other individuals and entities, citing concerns regarding his impartiality after previously discussing the case at a legislative hearing.
Judge Carlos Serrano Lucero of the Specialized Penal Court for the Trial of Crimes Related to Corruption and Organized Crime has officially recused himself from the ongoing 'Triple A' case. This case includes Guayaquil's Mayor, Aquiles Alvarez, and 21 other individuals and legal entities accused of corruption. The recusal request was submitted on the morning of February 27, 2026, and comes after Serrano's comments about the case during a public hearing before the National Assembly’s Oversight Commission.
Serrano expressed concerns that his prior statements during the impeachment process against Mario Godoy, which resulted in Godoy's censure and removal as president of the Judicial Council, might be interpreted as biased observations regarding the pending case. The judge emphasized the importance of maintaining impartiality to avoid any potential doubts or suspicions about his fairness in judicial proceedings. Consequently, he decided to excuse himself from the case to preserve the integrity of the trial.
The implications of this recusal could be significant for the ongoing legal proceedings against Mayor Alvarez and the other defendants, highlighting the complex intertwining of judicial, legislative, and executive branches in Ecuadorian politics. It raises questions about the independence of judicial figures in high-profile corruption cases and underscores ongoing tensions in the Ecuadorean political landscape tied to accountability and transparency in government operations.
