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Peru: Attorney General steps down

10:20 | Lima, Jan. 8.

Attorney General Pedro Chavarry on Tuesday stepped down from the post as he submitted his resignation letter at the Public Ministry's headquarters.

"Out of respect for my institution, my love for God, and my family, I will present my resignation letter to the post of Attorney General," he expressed via Twitter on Monday.

Likewise, Chavarry indicated he made that decision for —what he considers— the sake of the Public Ministry's autonomy.

It should be noted Chavarry's decision was welcomed by Congress members from different political groups, who coincided that the constitutional complaints and investigations against him must run their course.

Furthermore, some lawmakers affirmed he should also resign as Supreme Prosecutor.

As is known, Chavarry has become very unpopular among Peruvians given his controversial decisions.

Removal and reinstatement

As Attorney General, Pedro Chavarry —on New Year's Eve— decided to remove Prosecutors Rafael Vela and Jose Domingo Perez from the Lava Jato Case.

Said decision brought protestors to the streets in several cities of the Inca country.

On January 2, Chavarry reversed his previous decision by reinstating Lava Jato Case Prosecutors Vela and Perez in their posts.

Lava Jato Case Special Prosecution Group Coordinator Vela had previously affirmed there was hostility against the Odebrecht investigation prosecutors. Reports suggested the existence of friction between his team and the Attorney General.

In Peru, the Attorney General is not designated or confirmed by the President of the Republic. In fact, President Vizcarra had expressed his full support to the continuation of Prosecutors Vela and Perez in the case.

Odebrecht

As is known, the Brazilian construction giant admitted to having paid millions in bribes to government officials in Peru, in order to secure public-works contracts.

As a result, Odebrecht benefited from over US$143 million between 2005 and 2014 in Peru, according to the U.S. Justice Department.

In addition, four ex-Presidents have been linked to the Brazilian company such as: Alejandro Toledo (2001-2006), Alan Garcia (2006-2011), Ollanta Humala (2011-2016), and Pedro Pablo Kuczynski (2016-2018).

Former presidential candidate Keiko Fujimori —currently under preventive detention— also allegedly received money from Odebrecht for her 2011 campaign.

(END) VVS/DTK/MVB

Published: 1/8/2019

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Peru: Attorney General steps down

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