Peru: Prosecutor's Office requests debate on house arrest for ex-President Kuczynski

12:20 | Lima, Apr. 26.

Peru's Public Ministry on Friday requested ex-President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski's doctors to attend the hearing assessing the 36-month preventive detention appeal, in order to inform the magistrates about his health status. It also asked to debate the possibility of imposing house arrest.

Last week, Kuczynski was ordered to serve 36-month preventive detention while being investigated over alleged asset laundering charges to the detriment of the Peruvian State, within the framework of the Odebrecht corruption case.

In this sense, Prosecutor Hernan Mendoza explained that the initial medical report did not identify a serious or incurable disease. However, it apparently warned about the risk of the 80-year-old's health getting worse.

Therefore, the Prosecutor stated the Public Ministry has requested the doctors —who wrote the report— to go to court and explain their conclusions, since they could reveal serious implications about the ex-President's health condition.

"(…) We request, agreeing with the defense, that the debate focuses on the possibility of house arrest. However, the report must be explained," Mendoza expressed.

Kuczynski is hospitalized at a Lima-based clinic over alleged heart problems.

On the other hand, the Prosecutor indicated the Public Ministry will not object to the appearance with restrictions measure imposed on Kuczynski's personal secretary Gloria Kisic and driver Jose Luis Bernaola.

The Criminal Appeals Chamber will vote on the appeal submitted by Kuczynski's defense against the 36-month preventive detention.

After listening to the arguments of the Public Ministry and the defense, Judge Ramiro Salinas ended the debate.

It must be noted the Public Ministry is independent from the Executive Branch in Peru.

Preliminary detention

On March 10, the Judicial Branch ordered the preliminary detention of Kuczynski over alleged asset laundering crimes to the detriment of the Peruvian State.

Prosecutor Jose Domingo Perez requested the detention of Kuczynski, as evidence indicates 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.

According to the Prosecutor's Office, during his tenure as Minister part of former President Alejandro Toledo's administration (2001-2006), he had approved regulations to favor the Brazilian corporation.

As is known, Toledo —who resides in the United States— faces an extradition request by the Peruvian State. The justice system ordered 18-month preventive detention for him —in February 2017— after having allegedly received bribes from Odebrecht during his time in office.

Likewise, Kuczynski is accused of money laundering offenses, acting within the framework of a criminal organization, due to the events that took place when he was Economy-Finance Minister and Prime Minister between 2002 and 2006.

Furthermore, in 2007, the Westfield Capital company —founded by Kuczynski— allegedly received money transfers from South IIRSA —Stretches 2 and 3— and Trasvase Olmos.

Ex-President

Pedro Pablo Kuczynski served as President of Peru between July 2016 and March 2018. He offered his resignation on March 21 following the release of secret recordings that entangled him in a scandal on the eve of an impeachment vote.

Back then, a group of legislators from opposition parties filed a presidential impeachment motion —on the grounds of moral incapacity— after he had survived a previous impeachment vote back in December.

This new motion was intended to oust Kuczynski for alleged links with Odebrecht.

(END) CCR/DTK/MVB

Published: 4/26/2019

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Peru: Prosecutor's Office requests debate on house arrest for ex-President Kuczynski

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