Andina

Peru: Prosecutor requests 20 years in prison for ex-President Humala, 26 for wife

13:52 | Lima, May. 7.

The Public Ministry has demanded 20 years in prison for former President Ollanta Humala (2011-2016), as well as 26 years and six months for his wife Nadine Heredia, due to alleged asset laundering crimes, Lava Jato Case Special Prosecution Group member German Juarez informed Tuesday.

The Peruvian Prosecutor showed up at the National Criminal Court this morning to file a formal accusation against the ex-Head of State and his wife.

The couple is accused of asset laundering and of leading a criminal organization.

This is the first accusation filed before the Judicial Branch against an ex-President of the Republic linked to the payment of bribes by the Brazilian construction giant Odebrecht.

Humala's Peruvian Nationalist Party is included in the accusation file —as a (legal) person under investigation— since the Prosecutor's investigation determined that it was used as a vehicle to launder money.

"The Nationalist Party is included as accused so that, in case of a guilty verdict, we can demand the dissolution of the party as it has been used for money laundering activity," he expressed.

The National Criminal Court scheduled a hearing to protect Humala and Heredia's rights for 11:00 AM Tuesday, at the request of defense attorney Cesar Nakazaki.

On the matter, Atoche said the lawyer is requesting to rule out the elements of conviction included in the Prosecutor's accusation using an effective collaboration file.

"There are various documents referring to the allegedly fictitious contract between Apoyo Total company and Nadine Heredia," he indicated.

(END) RMCH/CCR/RMB/MVB

Published: 5/7/2019