Corruption by heads of states is quite a popular phenomenon world over and it’s interesting to see that South Africa is not the only country that is demanding accountability and rule of law to take it’s course regardless of a person’s political and social status. President Zuma is currently on trial for over 700 counts of corruption. Here are Jacob Zuma And Other Former Presidents Who Are On Trial For Corruption
Jacob Zuma
Zuma became embroiled in a corruption controversy, one of many, after his financial advisor, Schabir Shaik, was charged with corruption and fraud. Bulelani Ngcuka, the national director of Public Prosecutions at the time, investigated both Zuma and the Chief Whip of the ANC, Tony Yengeni, after allegations of abuse of power were levelled against them. This concerned improper influence in the controversial arms deal, and the question of financial benefit as a result of such influence. While Yengeni was found guilty, the case was dropped against Zuma, with Ngcuka stating, “…that there was prima facie evidence of corruption, but insufficient to win the case in court.” On 16 March 2018, it was confirmed by the director of public prosecutions that Zuma would face 18 charges of corruption, including more than 700 counts of fraud and money laundering.
Park Geun-hy
Park Geun-hye is a former South Korean politician who served as the 11th President of South Korea from 2013 to 2017. In late October 2016, investigations into Park’s relationship with Choi Soon-sil, daughter of the late Church of Eternal Life cult leader and President Park’s mentor Choi Tae-min began. Several news media including JTBC and the Hankyoreh reported that Choi, who has no official government position, had access to confidential documents and information for the president, and acted as a close confidant for the president. Choi and President Park’s senior staffs including both Ahn Jong-bum and Jeong Ho-sung used their influence to extort ₩77.4 billion (approximately $75 million) from Korean chaebols—family-owned large business conglomerates—and set up two culture and sports-related foundations, Mir and K-sports foundations. Choi is also accused of having influenced Ewha Womans University to change their admission criteria in order for her daughter Chung Yoo-ra to be given a place there. On 6 April 2018, Park was sentenced to 24 years in prison
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, known simply as Lula, is a Brazilian former politician, union leader and political prisoner during the Brazilian dictatorship. He served as the 35th President of Brazil from 2003 to 2011. On 12 July 2017, he was convicted of money laundering and passive corruption, defined in Brazilian criminal law as the receipt of a bribe by a civil servant or government official. He was sentenced to nine years and six months in prison by judge Sérgio Moro but remained free pending an appeal of the sentence. On 24 January 2018 the Regional Federal Court of the 4th Region, which is a panel of three judges, unanimously upheld Moro’s ruling against Lula. On 5 April 2018, the Supreme Federal Court ruled to reject Lula’s habeas corpus plea; on the same day a warrant was issued for his arrest.He turned himself in and began serving his sentence on 7 April 2018.
