has ordered the temporary suspension of Patricia Benavides Vargas from the posts of Supreme Prosecutor and Attorney General for a period of 24 months, due to acts allegedly committed while serving as head of the Public Ministry.
The measure was ordered by the Supreme Court for Preliminary Investigation at the request of the Public Ministry.
The decision was issued as part of the investigation into Benavides Vargas for the alleged crimes of specific passive bribery, abuse of authority, and personal concealment to the detriment of the Peruvian State.
The judicial suspension ruling notes that Benavides Vargas is allegedly linked to serious acts still under investigation and may have been involved in them in her capacity as Attorney General.
The ruling also states that, given the existence of sufficient suspicion, it is reasonable to conclude that the person under investigation would engage in conduct while holding office that would affect the justice system, criminal proceedings, and her objectivity as a prosecutor.
The Public Ministry had requested a suspension of rights —a form of temporary removal from office— for a 36-month period for Patricia Benavides Vargas due to the alleged commission of the crime of bribery.