Andina

Peru: Prosecutor requests 18-month preventive detention against ex-Judge Hinostroza

16:40 | Lima, Apr. 12.

Peru's Public Ministry on Friday requested 18-month preventive detention against ex-Supreme Judge Cesar Hinostroza, within the framework of the preparatory investigation extension, due to his escape from the country and arrival in Spain in October 2018.

The extension —which includes his accomplices— was submitted by Prosecutor Elber Rivas. 

According to the Prosecutor's Office, the probe names Hinostroza as the author, as he fled the Inca country —despite a travel ban previously imposed on him by the Judiciary— with the help of a former Migrations Office employee.

Likewise, Attorney Percy Leonardo Coaguila —who accompanied him from Lima to Tumbes— as well as Migrations' workers Daniel Ernesto Garcia, Emma Yesenia Quevedo, and Yhenifferd Bustamante have been included in the investigation. 

The Judicial Branch will be in charge of accepting or declining the request.
 
About the case

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 unethical conversations, the former judge offers and accepts favors to and from National Council of the Magistracy (CNM) members and other officials. These corrupt actions were harshly criticized by most Peruvians, including President Martin Vizcarra.


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 Hinostroza 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.

In December, Spain rejected an asylum request by the dismissed judge. This decision strengthened the extradition request by Peru.


(END) FHG/CCR/DTK/MVB

Published: 4/12/2019