New emails released through a Freedom of Information request reveal the Clinton Foundation sought input and approval from the State Department for paid speeches in countries with some of the worst human rights records in the world.

ABC News reports emails obtained by Citizens United show the foundation contacted Hillary Clinton’s chief of staff and other officials seeking reaction to the requests.

Former President Clinton was offered $650,000 to give a speech in central Africa. One of the requirements was that dictators from the Congo and the Democratic Republic of the Congo would be allowed to attend and take photos with him.

Clinton’s speaking agency recommended declining the request, according to the emails, claiming “the prevalence and intensity of sexual violence against women in eastern Congo is widely described as the worst in the world.”

But the foundation pressed for answers from the State Department, wanting to know if Clinton could accept the invitation so long as the money went to the foundation instead of the former president personally.

The emails also reveal in May 2012, Clinton was invited to give a paid speech in North Korea. The report did not reveal who requested the speech.

The Secretary of State’s office advised that the former president should “decline it.”

According to ABC News, the request came via Hillary’s brother “who works as a consultant.”

Tony Rodham “would be grateful for any specific concerns that we could share,” an email between State Department officials reads.

Hillary’s chief of staff, Cheryl Mills, also replied, saying, “If (Bill Clinton) need more let him know his wife knows and I am happy to call him.”

A spokesperson for Bill Clinton said the former president did not give the speeches.