Justice and Human Rights Minister Anibal Torres on Monday affirmed that the country's interest should prevail in the Public Ministry's decision on the dead body of
Shining Path terrorist organization ringleader Abimael Guzman Reinoso.
According to the minister, the final destination of Guzman's remains shall be decided by the Public Ministry in accordance with the General Health Law, which provides that these should be delivered to a relative. However, he believes that the case must be analyzed carefully, as it involves a terrorist ringleader.
"We have asked the Public Ministry to analyze the case carefully, not only considering the literal interpretation of the Law but also other aspects, such as public interest, common interest, and public order," Torres commented.
"On the one hand is the interest of his followers; on the other hand is the interest of the entire country, which should prevail," he added.
The government official affirmed that this event constitutes a very particular and extraordinary situation, given that Abimael Guzman is 'a genocide,' who cannot be buried like the rest of the people, in order to prevent his followers from paying a tribute.
In light of this situation, he said, the decision should be based on the interpretation of the law in line with the Constitution and a rule in the Civil Code, which states that any act against public order is void.
Furthermore, the Cabinet member claimed that the Executive Branch cannot intervene in the decisions of the Public Ministry, which acts on the basis of its autonomy.
Remarks were made this morning in an interview with RPP radio and TV station.
Published: 9/13/2021