Peru: Hostility against Prosecutors investigating Keiko Fujimori case

Photo: EFE

11:10 | Lima, Dec. 21.

Lava Jato Case Special Prosecution Group Coordinator Rafael Vela has affirmed hostility against the Odebrecht investigation Prosecutors is not a coincidence.

He warned it is in response to Prosecutor Jose Domingo Perez's decision to request firm measures against Fuerza Popular party leader Keiko Fujimori, who is currently under preventive detention.

"Events have coincided within the probe's own circumstances leading us to believe there are facts which are not a coincidence. Instead, these are linked from a procedural point of view," Vela expressed.

When considering the hostile actions might be led by the Inca country's Attorney General Pedro Chavarry, Vela mentioned Judge Richard Concepcion Carhuancho —who ordered preventive detention for Keiko Fujimori— had reached the procedural conclusion that Chavarry might be a hostage of Fuerza Popular, Fujimori's party.

Furthermore, the Prosecutor indicated the Special Team is concerned about the investigations —launched by the Attorney General's Office— against Perez.

Vela went on to add these inquiries coincide with the moment Prosecutor Perez decided to request measures against Fujimori and the other people under an Odebrecht-related money laundering probe.

The lawyer also pointed out these investigations are not being carried out by the Supreme Prosecutor's Office for Internal Order —as they should be due to Perez's rank— but by a decentralized unit at the Public Ministry.

On the other hand, Vela said the Special Team works in precarious conditions.

In Peru, the Attorney General is not designated or confirmed by the President of the Republic. In fact, President Martin Vizcarra has expressed his full support to the continuation of Prosecutors Rafael Vela and Jose Domingo Perez in the Lava Jato 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).

Similarly, former presidential candidate Keiko Fujimori —currently under preventive detention— allegedly received money from Odebrecht for her 2011 campaign.

(END) CCR/DTK/MVB

Published: 12/21/2018

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Peru: Hostility against Prosecutors investigating Keiko Fujimori case

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