Daniel Noboa's ex-wife, Gabriela Goldbaum, accused the president of Ecuador of using the justice system to pursue a family member with the aim of harming her. Goldbaum and Noboa were married between 2018 and 2019, and from their union, a daughter was born. In a recording shared on social media, Goldbaum reported that a criminal case for alleged embezzlement against her brother is ongoing, apparently at Noboa's instruction as an act of revenge.
"The same prosecutor who used the State to investigate all of Daniel Noboa's political enemies is now using it against my family," Goldbaum stated. She asserted that justice should not be used as a weapon of vengeance and that the current power cannot decide who has rights and who does not. In the recording, Gabriela Goldbaum expressed: "He may have money, but I have dignity."
Subsequently, Goldbaum's brother filed a formal complaint against the prosecutor in the case. This judicial episode took place during the electoral day of the first round of presidential elections in Ecuador, in which Noboa qualified for the second round against the opposition candidate, Luisa González, scheduled for April 13. Goldbaum stated that she feels persecuted and punished for not wanting to be Noboa's property.
International media mentions that there are prior allegations regarding Noboa's "problematic relationship" with women, including accusations of political gender violence from his Vice President, Verónica Abad. Even candidate González has expressed fear for her safety and that of her family. In a different context, the winter season in Ecuador has caused five deaths and affected 3,472 people, according to reports from the National Risk Management Secretariat.
