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Peru PM: Toledo detention proves justice is working

13:50 | Lima, Jul. 17.

Peruvian Prime Minister Salvador del Solar has affirmed the arrest of President Alejandro Toledo (2001-2006) —aimed at extraditing him from the United States, within the framework of the Odebrecht case— is proof that justice is working, noting that even the citizens who have been authorities must respond to judicial injunctions.

"It was said that ex-President Toledo's case was not progressing. Today, we have evidence that the process continues (....)," the high-ranking official expressed.

"The efforts we currently undertake to institutionalize justice in the country, and the fact that so many authorities are being held accountable, is something that is not seen in the rest of Latin America with the same strength. Other than Peru, Brazil is the only country perhaps (…)," he underlined.

In this sense, the cabinet chief indicated the judicial processes against former authorities —from the three levels of government— is a good sign.

"(…) Ex-President Alejandro Toledo will have to face an extradition process in order to finally be brought to justice," Del Solar said.

Toledo detained in the U.S.

As is known, former Peruvian President Alejandro Toledo was arrested in the United States by an extradition order against him, within the framework of the investigations over alleged corruption offenses in the awarding of the South Interoceanic Highway Project to Brazilian company Odebrecht.

In this sense, the detention was the outcome of the Prosecutor's Office's continuous monitoring and communication work with the U.S. Justice Department —through the International Judicial Cooperation and Extraditions Unit (UCJIE).

UCJIE Head Senior Prosecutor Celia Goicochea indicated the detention took place on July 16 at 6:30 AM (local time) in the State of California.

Likewise, she indicated that the public bail hearing will be held in a Californian city on July 19 at 10:30 AM (local time). Thus, it will be decided if Toledo faces the extradition process detained or free on bond.

Furthermore, Goicochea recalled the extradition request was submitted to U.S. authorities on May 25, 2018.

After U.S. authorities' questions were addressed, the Department of Justice notified the Public Ministry's UCJIE on July 2 that the arrest order was being prepared in order to extradite the ex-President.

"It is a favorable result, as the judicial phase will start," she added.

Finally, the Peruvian prosecutor thanked her counterpart in the United States, for the valuable cooperation in the monitoring of the extradition file and the permanent communication with the national authority.

(END) RMCH/DTK/MVB

Publicado: 17/7/2019