Andina

Peru: Ex-President Garcia's rights, due process were respected

11:00 | Lima, Apr. 18.

Peru's Lava Jato Case Special Prosecution Group has informed that, during the notification and execution of the preliminary detention measure and raid ordered against ex-President Alan Garcia last Wednesday, his fundamental rights and the due process were respected.

According to the document signed by Prosecutor Rafael Vela and other team members, the protocol established for said procedure was strictly followed.

Likewise, the Special Prosecution Group deeply lamented the tragic decision made by Garcia during the execution of the abovementioned measures.

Furthermore, the team expressed the deep concern and disagreement with the actions undertaken by the Public Ministry's internal control body against Prosecutors Jose Domingo Perez and Henry Amenabar over alleged administrative offenses.

It must be noted the Public Ministry in Peru is independent from the Executive Branch.

"This event is added to other investigations opened by surprise (…) against the special team," the document said.


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) CVC/CCR/DTK/MVB

Published: 4/18/2019