Peruvian President Martin Vizcarra on Monday requested Congress to apply article 157 of the Constitution, that stipulates members of the National Council of the Magistracy (CNM) can be removed from their posts for serious ground.
IDL-Reporteros on Sunday released an audio recording reportedly of Judge Cesar Hinostroza and former magistrate Aurelio Quispe.
In the conversation, Quispe had asked Hinostroza for a meeting and told him he has a contact who knows the President of the Republic.
The Head of State replied to the abovementioned media outlet, saying he does not know Quispe and denied having met with Hinostroza, president of the Supreme Court's Second Transitory Criminal Chamber.
According to statements contained in another audio recording, Hinostroza had allegedly negotiated —with an unknown caller— the application of a mild punishment against a child rapist.
"(…) I request Parliament to apply article 157 of the Constitution, that states CNM members can be dismissed for serious ground pursuant to a resolution of Congress," he stated today.
Peru's top official underlined investigations must be conducted rapidly to severely punish the persons responsible for these disgraceful and despicable acts.
Constitutional reform
He also said the Government will insist on congressional approval for a constitutional reform bill concerning the CNM, introduced in July last year in order to improve its composition and functioning.
"The institution responsible for appointing, ratifying the appointment, and dismissing judges and prosecutors cannot be contaminated by serious incidents," he underlined.
Published: 7/9/2018