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Peru: National Council of Magistracy announces reorganization and judge's suspension

13:03 | Lima, Jul. 16.

The National Council of the Magistracy (CNM) on Monday announced a comprehensive reorganization of its structure, placing emphasis on appointment, ratification, and magistrate disciplinary process commissions.

The measure was adopted at 8:30 AM at a plenary meeting among Council members, who decided on a comprehensive review of CNM regulations, including those of organic nature.

Likewise, CNM members decreed the indefinite suspension of Supreme Judge Cesar Hinostroza as part of the disciplinary process he faces in this institution.

Moreover, an impeachment process was opened against member Ivan Noguera, who has been suspended from his functions while investigations continue into their conduct.

On the other hand, the Council accepted the irrevocable resignation of member Guido Aguila, who announced his decision after the publication of a series of audio recordings that show him accepting a request to support a candidate for prosecutor.

Case

Supreme Judge Cesar Hinostroza is implicated in a series of audio recordings released by Panorama TV show and investigative journalism site IDL-Reporteros.

In the conversations, the judge offers and accepts favors to and from National Council of the Magistracy (CNM) members and other officials.

According to statements contained in one audio recording, Hinostroza had allegedly negotiated —with an unknown caller— the application of a mild punishment against a child rapist.

In this sense, President Martin Vizcarra underlined investigations must be conducted rapidly to severely punish the persons responsible for these disgraceful and despicable acts.

Likewise, the CNM opened an investigation on Hinostroza. Also, an impeachment motion against him was submitted to Congress.

Furthermore, Judicial Branch Head Duberli Rodriguez announced Hinostroza has been removed from the presidency of the Supreme Court's Second Transitory Criminal Chamber.

The Executive Branch established the Justice System Reform Commission, attached to the Presidency of the Republic, according to a Supreme Resolution published last Friday in El Peruano official gazette.

The consultative commission is intended to propose urgent and concrete measures to reform the justice system and thus contribute to effective, timely, transparent, efficient, and incorruptible justice.

(END) JCC/VVS/RMB/MVB

Published: 7/16/2018