Andina

Peru: Judiciary orders 30-month pre-trial detention of Goray, Fernandini and others

Photo: Judicial Branch of Peru

Photo: Judicial Branch of Peru

09:46 | Lima, Aug. 4.

The Eighth National Preparatory Investigation Court, led by Judge Raul Justiniano, on Thursday night approved the request for the 30-month pre-trial detention of Sada Goray, Mauricio Fernandini, Pedro Arroyo, and Roger Gavidia, who are investigated for the alleged crime of aggravated collusion and others.

The magistrate determined that there is a procedural risk in the case of each of the aforementioned citizens, which makes it necessary to order the preventive detention —a measure previously requested by the Prosecutor's Office.

Regarding businesswoman Sada Goray, the judge indicated that the measure is "acceptable and proportional" for the crimes that are imputed to her.

Similarly, Justiniano indicated that Goray "would not have address, family, or business links (to Peru); it would be easy for her to escape the country; there is a seriousness in the possible sanction that could be imposed on her and, therefore, she might influence (people) so that the co-defendants can testify in differently."

Concerning journalist Mauricio Fernandini, the judge indicated that the former newsman does not have work-related ties, adding that there is a risk of obstructing the investigation by being able to modify, hide, or destroy documentary evidence.

This comes after Fernandini was deemed as the person responsible for initiating contact between former Construction Minister Geiner Alvarado and the Housing Ministry's ex-chief of advisers Salatiel Marrufo who, according to the prosecutor's thesis, was in charge of delivering illicit money to the former government official.


Regarding ex-Fondo Mivivienda (My Housing Fund) Chairman Pedro Arroyo, the judge concluded that he does not have work ties. The magistrate added there is a serious penalty due to the magnitude of the damage caused.

Arroyo would have replaced managers, among other measures, at Fondo Mivivienda —related to the case under investigation.

With respect to ex-National Superintendence of State Assets (SBN) Chief Roger Gavidia, the judge stated that there is a danger of obstructing justice, because the person under investigation would have previously falsified personal data.

The magistrate also made the aforementioned investigated citizens available to the National Penitentiary Institute (INPE) for transfer to prisons and to comply with the latest measure within the set period.

At the end of Thursday's session, the defense lawyers of each of the four citizens indicated that they would appeal the judicial decision.

(END) NGB/FGM/MVB

Published: 8/4/2023