In The Frontline: Latin America's Anti-Corruption Fight In The Words Of Those Waging It

Latin American countries have been mired in a struggle against corruption and impunity for a few years. At the start of this month, regional news site Americas Quarterly organized an event where ten of the region's anti-corruption leaders convened to discuss what progress they have made and where the movement is headed. The three sessions were recorded and, while they are not journalism per se, they are very much worth your time. 

First off, the federal judge investigating Brazil's largest corruption scandal, Lava Jato, speaks to AQ's editor-in-chief, Brian Winter. Judge Sergio Moro speaks about why the lack of accountability of public officials, and the way they've struck deals with big business, erodes people's trust in public institutions and prevents democratic processes from functioning properly.

Moro is the young judge who uncovered a far-reaching graft scheme that siphoned over US$3 billion from the Brazilian oil state-company into the pockets of high-profile politicians.

Next up, five anti-corruption leaders explain where their efforts have borne fruit. These include Chilean Eduardo Engel, who spearheaded a presidential commission that led to reforms related to political financing and anti-trust law, Colombian Attorney General Néstor Humberto Martínez, Brazilian Attorney General Rodrigo Janot, the Colombian chief of the UN-sponsored mission against corruption in Guatemala, Iván Velásquez, and the head of Transparency International, Peruvian José Ugáz. They also delve into where they have yet to deliver in fighting against corruption.

Last but not least, yet another five leading figures consider what lies ahead in Latin America's fight against corruption. What is needed to consolidate progress? Guatemala's Attorney General Thelma Aldana and Judge Moro answer, alongside three other civil society and activism representatives from throughout the region.