Andina

Peru President backs demonstrations against corruption

15:19 | Lima, Jul. 19.

President Martin Vizcarra on Thursday affirmed he supports all demonstrations Peruvians have organized to protest against corruption in the justice system since fighting this scourge must be a joint task.

Although the Head of State noted the Inca country will go through difficult times in the coming days, months and years, he expressed confidence "bad elements that wanted to corrupt everyone" will be identified soon.

"We are focused on combating corruption. However, this (fight) must not only include the Executive Branch, but also the Judicial and Legislative Powers," the top official noted.

"We must work together on that issue, and those rallies taking place across the country have my support because together we must fight corruption," he added.

On the other hand, the statesman remarked "we have to lay the foundations for growth with a healthy society. Yet, we must make decisions to achieve that, and we are willing to make these decisions."

Furthermore, he recalled the Executive Power was quite clear in asking Congress to assume the responsibility of dismissing all National Council of the Magistracy (CNM) members.

It must be noted said request was submitted within the framework of investigations on several magistrates involved in alleged influence-peddling cases and corruption acts.

Mr. Vizcarra went on to mention the Government has already outlined some strategies to achieve a true reform in the justice system.

Remarks were made during his participation in a recognition ceremony organized by the National University of Engineering (UNI) in Lima.

Case

Supreme Judge Cesar Hinostroza is implicated in a series of audio recordings released by Panorama TV show and investigative journalism site IDL—Reporteros.

In the conversations, the judge offers and accepts favors to and from National Council of the Magistracy (CNM) members and other officials.

According to statements contained in one audio recording, Hinostroza had allegedly negotiated —with an unknown caller— the application of a mild punishment against a child rapist.

In this sense, President Martin Vizcarra underlined investigations must be conducted rapidly to severely punish the persons responsible for these disgraceful and despicable acts.

Likewise, the CNM opened an investigation on Hinostroza. Also, an impeachment motion against him was submitted to Congress.

Furthermore, Hinostroza was removed from the presidency of the Supreme Court's Second Transitory Criminal Chamber.

The Executive Branch has established the Justice System Reform Commission, attached to the Presidency of the Republic, according to a Supreme Resolution published last Friday in El Peruano official gazette.

The consultative commission is intended to propose urgent and concrete measures to reform the justice system thus contributing to effective, timely, transparent, efficient, and incorruptible justice.

(END) JCC/JAA/MVB

Published: 7/19/2018