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Peru: Ex-judge Hinostroza to be extradited from Spain

10:42 | Madrid (Spain), May. 13.

Peruvian ex-Supreme Judge Cesar Hinostroza will be extradited from Spain after its National High Court on Monday accepted the request made by the Andean nation.

Among other things, Hinostroza is accused of leading a criminal network of judges who traded favors with politicians and businessmen.

The Spanish court declared the extradition request admissible only for the crimes of illegal sponsorship, influence peddling and incompatible negotiation, not for offenses related to criminal organization —the most serious crime of which he is accused.

Therefore, once in Peru, the ex-magistrate will be judged for the crimes specified above, but not for participation in a criminal organization, since the High Court states that his network does not fulfill the conditions to be considered as such.


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.


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.


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.

(END) NDP/RMB/MVB

Published: 5/13/2019