Peru has officially declared a three-month emergency at its Judicial Branch to adopt urgent administrative measures and solve the critical situation facing the country's justice system.
The declaration covers administrative bodies at the Supreme Court of Justice and Judiciary Executive Council, the country's judicial districts, the National Criminal Court, the Specialized System of Corruption Crimes by Government Officials, and the Judiciary's General Management.
Published in El Peruano official gazette, the document approves the work plan introduced by the Judiciary Executive Council chairman, which will be gradually implemented.
Signed by Judicial Branch Head Duberli Rodriguez, the decision was taken after the recent release of audio recordings involving Judicial Power's officials in serious and blameworthy actions.
The declaration was made in accordance to article 82 (26) of the Single Arranged Text of the Judicial Branch Organic Law.
According to this regulation, the Judiciary Executive Council has the power to adopt the necessary measures to ensure speed and efficiency in judicial units.
Case
Supreme Judge Cesar Hinostroza is implicated in a series of audio recordings released by Panorama TV show and investigative journalism site IDL-Reporteros since July 8.
In the conversations, the judge offers and accepts favors to and from National Council of the Magistracy (CNM) members and other officials.
According to statements contained in one audio recording, Hinostroza had allegedly negotiated —with an unknown caller— the application of a mild punishment against a child rapist.
Likewise, the CNM opened an investigation on Hinostroza. Also, an impeachment motion against him was submitted to Congress.
Furthermore, Judicial Branch Head Duberli Rodriguez announced Hinostroza has been removed from the presidency of the Supreme Court's Second Transitory Criminal Chamber.
The consultative commission is intended to propose urgent and concrete measures to
reform the justice system and thus contribute to effective, timely, transparent, efficient, and incorruptible justice.
(END) JCC/CVC/RMB/MVB
Published: 7/18/2018