LIMA, PERÚ -JULIO 14. Ex – presidente Alejandro Toledo visita la casa del embajador de Francia en Perú, Fabrice Mauriès por celebración del día de la Bastilla. Foto Andina /Eddy Ramos.
Justice and Human Rights Minister Maria Soledad Perez Tello urged former President Alejandro Toledo (2001-2006) to return to Peru and face an investigation pending on him.
He was accused of receiving US$20 million in bribes from the Brazilian conglomerate —while being President— to secure the Inter-Oceanic Highway contract, a major infrastructure venture connecting Peru and Brazil.
As a result, the Peruvian Judiciary —last February—
ordered his preventive detention for an 18-month period. An arrest warrant was issued at the time, both at national and international levels. Toledo is believed to be holed up in the United States.
"If you are under investigation, you must face [justice] and take responsibility," Perez Tello was quoted as saying.
"Otherwise, the country is exposed to questionings," she added.
In addition, the minister affirmed that President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski's administration wants Toledo to appear in court because "that is good for the country."
The process seeking Toledo's detention and
extradition remains underway.
Yet, she noted it is necessary to enhance said processes. There are currently 40 U.S.-Peru extradition processes, and each one of them could last between 3 and 4 years.
(END) JAA/MVB
Published: 9/6/2017