Peru: Congress approves constitutional accusation against Martin Vizcarra

Photo: ANDINA/Congress of the Republic of Peru

Photo: ANDINA/Congress of the Republic of Peru

14:58 | Lima, Mar. 14.

During a plenary session on Thursday, Parliament approved a constitutional accusation against former President Martin Vizcarra for the alleged crimes of influence peddling, fraudulent embezzlement, incompatible negotiation, and obstruction of justice, over the hiring of singer Richard Cisneros during his government.

The final report was approved with 85 votes in favor, zero against, and 4 abstentions.

"Pursuant to the provisions of the Regulations of Congress, the file with the constitutional accusation will be sent to the Public Ministry so that the latter can proceed with its responsibilities," said Congress Second Vice-Chairman Waldemar Cerron, who led the plenary session.

The constitutional accusation, formulated by the Public Ministry, indicates that the former President would have favored Richard Cisneros Carballido ('Richard Swing') to be hired by the Ministry of Culture, without fitting the required profile.

The Public Ministry states that Vizcarra would have improperly met with Cisneros Carballido to offer him a job, which was materialized at the Ministry of Culture.

Moreover, the Attorney General's Office indicates that, after the accusation, the ex-President would have coordinated with witnesses the preparation of the statement about this case.


Prosecution arguments

While giving the legal grounds for the accusation, parliamentarian Lady Camones said that "although Vizcarra has affirmed that he has never met with Cisneros, the degree of closeness between them has been demonstrated in the facts."

She also specified that, on the basis of evidence provided by a complainant to the Public Ministry, it can be deduced that the former President is immersed in this crime, and it is also proven that, before the hiring, he met with Cisneros at the Government Palace.

(END) FHG/FGM/RMB

Published: 3/14/2024
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