Peruvian Justice Minister Fernando Castañeda on Tuesday affirmed that the
Spanish Council of Ministers' decision to extradite former magistrate Cesar Hinostroza is an achievement in the fight against corruption.
In addition, the Cabinet member noted that it reaffirms the legal cooperation between the States of Peru and Spain in the
fight against corruption.
What follows now is that the incident brought by Hinostroza be resolved after the Spanish authorities denied him an asylum request, Castañeda said.
According to the government official, this issue could take approximately between 2 and 4 months, but the important thing is that Peru is on the right track for Hinostroza to be held accountable.
Castañeda considered unlikely that the ex-magistrate would be granted asylum, and once the denial is ratified, he will be returned to Peru for prosecution.
This would happen this year, as has been offered, the high-ranking official said.
The Peruvian —who is investigated for the crimes of illegal sponsorship, influence peddling, and incompatible negotiation— is expected to arrive within the next 2 to 6 months.
The crimes approved for this extradition are influence peddling, incompatible negotiation, and illegal sponsorship, but of criminal organization.
About the case
Cesar Hinostroza is implicated in
a series of audio recordings released by Panorama TV show and investigative journalism site IDL-Reporteros in July 2018.
In the unethical conversations,
the former judge offers and accepts favors to and from National Council of the Magistracy (CNM) members and other officials. These corrupt actions were harshly criticized by most Peruvians, including President Martin Vizcarra.
He was also accused of allegedly committing the crimes of illegal sponsorship, influence peddling, and incompatible negotiation.
On October 17, the Judicial Branch issued a search notice and an international arrest warrant against ex-Supreme Court Judge Hinostroza, following a preventive detention request by the Public Ministry.
Hinostroza is prohibited from leaving the European country, must establish residence in Spanish territory, and must appear before court twice a week, among other measures.
On September 23, Spain's National Court in Madrid confirmed his extradition for the crimes of illegal sponsorship, influence peddling and incompatible negotiation.
(END) VVS/CVC/MVB
Published: 7/7/2020