Lawyer for Ecuador's Lasso calls for impeachment hearing to be struck down

FILE PHOTO: Ecuador's President Guillermo Lasso speaks with people affected by a landslide in Alausi, Ecuador March 27, 2023. REUTERS/Karen Toro/File Photo

QUITO (Reuters) - The defense representing Ecuador President Guillermo Lasso has asked lawmakers to declare impeachment hearings against him inadmissible, arguing that the embezzlement of which he is accused did not take place, the president's lawyer said on Monday.

Opposition lawmakers in Ecuador's National Assembly have pushed for impeachment hearings since last month. The country's top court gave the green light for hearings to proceed, which could end in Lasso being censured or dismissed.