The oral trial hearing on the Ecoteva case, involving currently-imprisoned former Peruvian President Alejandro Toledo, has been postponed until Thursday, November 28.
The Presiding Judge of the Ninth Liquidating Criminal Chamber of Lima, Josefa Izaga, issued the suspension on Monday.
In response, Armando Silva appeared as the former Peruvian president's new attorney, submitting several requests.
The main among them was for, before continuing with the oral trial phase, the court to clarify the procedural adaptation rules in light of the new circumstances.
Silva added that Toledo had only participated in one hearing and had not been involved in the submission of evidence or witness testimonies.
He claimed that this "compromises fair treatment and hinders effective defense."
Silva requested a "reasonable period" to resume the oral trial, stating that he had only recently been introduced to his client and needed time to discuss the defense strategy with him.
Prosecutor's response
In response, Prosecutor Liliana Briceño stated that Toledo had indeed participated in hearings related to the case and had been provided with public defense counsel due to his lack of legal representation until now.
The Public Ministry representative also noted that the former president had submitted evidence, contrary to the lawyer's claim, and that Toledo was able to exercise his right to a defense.
"The request from the new lawyer does not align with reality," the prosecutor concluded.
Given these requests, Judge Izaga ruled to suspend the hearing until the aforementioned date.
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