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Peru President: Ex-Attorney General's resignation is a step forward

15:49 | Lima, Jan. 9.

President Martin Vizcarra on Wednesday affirmed ex-Attorney General Pedro Chavarry's decision to step down from the post is a step forward in the fight against corruption, adding it is necessary for Peru to rely on a solid and autonomous Public Ministry.

Regarding the crisis existing within this institution, the Head of State indicated the breaking point had been the removal of Prosecutors Rafael Vela and Jose Domingo Perez from the Lava Jato case.

Due to this event, the Executive Branch submitted to Congress a bill aimed at declaring the Public Ministry in state of emergency, and Peruvian citizens took the streets to protest Chavarry's controversial decision.

In this sense, the top official noted recently-designated Attorney General Zoraida Avalos' announcement to declare the organization in state of emergency.

He went on to add this institution requires reforms that will help prevent situations similar to those occurred during Chavarry's tenure.

Likewise, the statesman welcomed the bills submitted by diverse sectors in order to reform the organization.

According to him, these proposals must be used as resources to create a law that strengthens the Public Ministry and secures its autonomy, as well as to generate internal and external mechanisms so it does not depend on one person's judgment.

"The country needs a solid and autonomous Public Ministry that fulfills its responsibilities and is able to rely on competent and impeccable prosecutors who fight against corruption," President Vizcarra concluded.

Remarks were made during the enactment ceremony of the bills approved in the December 9 referendum.

Removal and reinstatement

Former Attorney General Pedro Chavarry —on New Year's Eve— decided to remove Prosecutors Rafael Vela and Jose Domingo Perez from the Lava Jato Case.

Said decision brought protestors to the streets in several cities of the Inca country.

On January 2, Chavarry reversed his previous decision by reinstating Lava Jato Case Prosecutors Vela and Perez in their posts.

Lava Jato Case Special Prosecution Group Coordinator Vela had previously affirmed there was hostility against the Odebrecht investigation prosecutors. Reports suggested the existence of friction between his team and the then-Attorney General.

In Peru, the Attorney General is not designated or confirmed by the President of the Republic. In fact, President Vizcarra had expressed his full support to the continuation of Prosecutors Vela and Perez in the case.

(END) CCR/DTK/MVB

Published: 1/9/2019

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Peru President: Ex-Attorney General's resignation is a step forward

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