14:38 | Washington D.C. (U.S.), Jun. 13.
The detention of former Panamanian President Ricardo Martinelli on U.S. soil gives grounds for optimism about ex-Peruvian President Alejandro Toledo's case, Judicial Branch Chairman Duberli Rodriguez affirmed on Tuesday.
While extraditions used to average 3 to 4 years in the United States, the arrest of Martinelli —after some 18 months in the same situation as
fugitive Toledo— is proof that these are "proceeding rapidly."
In this sense, the magistrate asked citizens to understand the complexity of
Toledo's extradition, given the number of U.S. bodies involved.
First, he explained, the case is revised by the
U.S. Department of State, after which it is referred to the Department of Justice, where a prosecutor represents the Peruvian State.
The case then goes to a judge who calls a hearing, before moving back through the same instances.
"This takes several months, and I hope to get a response from the U.S. in the near future. […] We are not giving them orders, but we do ask for reciprocity," he pointed out.
New evidence
In addition, the Judiciary head confirmed the delivery of
further evidence to support the preventive detention request against Toledo.
"The Prosecutor's Office has already submitted these documents which, it is my understanding, are already being analyzed and revised by the U.S. Department of State [...]."
Odebrecht
As is known, the Brazilian construction giant admitted to having paid millions in bribes to government officials in Peru, in order to secure public-works contracts.
As a result, Odebrecht benefited from over US$143 million between 2005 and 2014 in Peru, according to the U.S. Justice Department.
The period in question spans over three previous presidencies: Alejandro Toledo (2001-2006), Alan Garcia (2006-2011) and Ollanta Humala (2011-2016).
Rodriguez in D.C.
Rodriguez is currently in D.C. to attend the World Bank Group's Data and Evidence for Justice Reform (DE JURE) event, running thru June 16.
DE JURE brings together WBG staff, top government officials, partner organizations and justice sector academics to exchange justice administration experiences and expertise, which are sure to contribute to Peru's own justice system upgrading.
(END) FHG/DHT/MVB
Published: 6/13/2017