Lava Jato Case Special Prosecution Group Coordinator Rafael Vela on Wednesday affirmed the
removal of Judge Richard Concepcion Carhuancho had always been part of Fuerza Popular party leader
Keiko Fujimori's defense strategy.
Likewise, he indicated the documents found in the home of Vicente Silva Checa —Fujimori's advisor— showed their intention had always been to remove the natural judge since this person caused discomfort to the defense's interests.
"What we defend is the principle of the natural judge," Vela added.
The prosecutor ruled out seeking a biased person for the case they investigate. He also recalled the Judicial Branch is the institution that determines the competence of judges, not the Public Ministry.
No public hearing
On the other hand, the prosecutor pointed out the debate on the recusal against
Judge Concepcion Carhuancho should have been resolved at a public hearing.
"We have not been notified of the written recusal," Vela said.
In this sense, Lava Jato Case Special Prosecution Group Coordinator Vela announced his team will file an appeal to declare invalid the measure to remove the judge.
The judge
(END) RMCH/DTK/MVB
Published: 1/16/2019