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Spain approves ex-Judge Hinostroza's extradition to Peru for three crimes

10:30 | Madrid (Spain), Sep. 23.

Spain's National Court in Madrid has confirmed the extradition of Peruvian ex-Supreme Judge Cesar Hinostroza for the crimes of illegal sponsorship, influence peddling and incompatible negotiation, the Judiciary of Spain reported on Monday.

Such crimes, the court explained, range from influence peddling to prohibited negotiations with government officials, which are prescribed in the Spanish Criminal Code.

Likewise, the court rejected the appeal for reversal filed by the Prosecutor's Office, as well as the appeal for legal representation filed by the Republic of Peru, which requested his extradition for the crime of criminal organization.

The magistrates recalled that said category of crime requires the use of objective data on the operational mechanics of this organization and information about the specific participation of each of its members.

After considering the need to be more specific about the details, the court stated that the number of people taking part in the allegedly criminal acts is reduced to two, in the absence of stability, permanence or purpose of committing various offences, which are requirements to be accused for the crime of criminal organization or group.

Furthermore, the court dismissed Hinostroza's appeal against his extradition to Peru. The former Peruvian judge requested that the extradition be declared inadmissible.

As is known, former Supreme Judge Cesar Hinostroza is considered by the Peruvian Prosecutor's Office as the head of The Port's White Collars, a group formed by magistrates of the Judiciary and Public Ministry, whose objective was to control the agencies responsible for administering justice in order to obtain illegal benefits.

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.

In October 2018, Peruvian Congress approved that Hinostroza be dismissed, banned from holding public office for 10 years, and accused of organized crime involvement.

He was also accused of allegedly committing the crimes of illegal sponsorship, influence peddling, and incompatible negotiation.

It must be noted the Judiciary —last July— approved a request to forbid Hinostroza from leaving the country.

However, the ex-judge left the Inca nation through a border control point in northern Tumbes region on October 7.

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.

Two days later President Vizcarra confirmed the ex-magistrate's arrest in Madrid.

In December, Spain rejected an asylum request by the dismissed judge. This decision strengthened the extradition request by Peru.

On April 11, the Spanish National Court released Hinostroza with precautionary measures.

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.

He will be extradited from Spain after its National High Court accepted the request made by Peru.

(END) VVS/RMB/MVB

Publicado: 23/9/2019