Peru President: I respect the independence of State Powers

00:25 | Lima, Apr. 12.

Peruvian President Martin Vizcarra on Thursday night affirmed that he unrestrictedly respects the independence of State Powers and the investigations carried out by the Public Ministry.

This statement was made in relation to the 10-day preliminary detention ordered against former President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski (2016-2018) over alleged asset laundering crimes to the detriment of the Peruvian State and linked to Brazilian Odebrecht construction company.

According to Prosecutor Jose Domingo Perez, evidence indicated that the ex-President was responsible for favoring Odebrecht so it could be awarded the South Interoceanic Highway Project —Stretches 2 and 3— (South IIRSA) and Olmos Irrigation Project, thus obtaining economic benefits from the company.

"Although, as I have previously stated, the use of preventive detention in our country is, on occasions, excessive, I hope the investigations follow their course under the principles of impartiality, legality, and transparency, thus guaranteeing the former president the right to due process," Vizcarra expressed.

In Peru, the Public Ministry is independent from the Executive Branch.

In a televised address to the nation, the Head of State said each State Power has the obligation to fulfill its functions with autonomy and independence.

In this sense, the top official affirmed he is tired of hearing from those who always attack the government claiming the Executive Branch controls the Judiciary.

"That's a lie!" the current President emphasized.

"I want to make it clear to the population that the Judicial Power and the Executive Power are independent, and my administration is respectful of their privileges," he noted.

The statesman also commented on the decision made by the Spanish justice, which ordered the provisional release of Peru's ex-Supreme Judge Cesar Hinostroza, whose extradition the South American country requested.

Vizcarra went on to add that —in his capacity as a Peruvian— he regrets this decision and indicated the government will remain firm in the legal actions undertaken to achieve Hinostroza's return to Peru, where he is being investigated in "The Port's White Collars" Case.

Hinostroza

Cesar Hinostroza is implicated in a series of audio recordings released by Panorama TV show and investigative journalism site IDL-Reporteros in July 2018.

In the conversations, the former judge offered and accepted unethical favors to and from National Council of the Magistracy (CNM) members and other officials. These corrupt actions were harshly criticized by most Peruvians.

In October 2018, Peruvian Congress approved that Hinostroza be dismissed, banned from holding public office for 10 years, and accused of organized crime involvement. He was also accused of allegedly committing the crimes of illegal sponsorship, influence peddling, and incompatible negotiation.

It must be noted the Judiciary —last July— approved a request to forbid him from leaving the country. However, the ex-judge left the Inca nation through a border control point in northern Tumbes region on October 7.

On October 17, the Judicial Branch issued a search notice and an international arrest warrant against ex-Supreme Court Judge Hinostroza, following a preventive detention request by the Public Ministry.

Two days later President Vizcarra confirmed the ex-magistrate's arrest in Madrid.

(END) FHG/MVB

Published: 4/12/2019

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Peru President: I respect the independence of State Powers

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