The Judicial Branch on Tuesday ordered the preventive detention of former presidential candidate
Keiko Fujimori for 15 months.
She is investigated over money laundering offenses and other crimes, for having allegedly received contributions from Brazilian company Odebrecht in 2011 and 2016.
Judge Victor Zuñiga from the Fourth National Preparatory Investigation Court Specialized in Organized Crime and Corruption by Officials declared well founded the Public Ministry's petition that served to request 18 months and two days in prison for the former Congresswoman (2006-2011) and First Lady (1994-2000). In Peru, the Public Ministry is independent from the Executive Branch.
The session —for the reading of the verdict— began after 09:00 a.m. and came to an end at 05:59 p.m. (local time).
Earlier, the Fuerza Popular leader announced that she was not going to attend the session. Via Twitter, Fujimori said that she would comply with the decision to be taken by the magistrate.
However, at approximately 5:40 p.m., she arrived at court joined by husband Mark Vito Villanella from her mother's house located in the Lima district of San Borja.
While explaining his decision, Judge Zuñiga stated that the preventive detention was appropriate, adequate, necessary, and proportionally strict.
After presenting his arguments, the magistrate found elements of conviction that configure "serious suspicion" to determine it is convenient that Fujimori serves preventive detention,
so she will not obstruct justice while the Prosecutor's Office prepares the accusation against her.
This time, she will remain imprisoned thru April 27, 2021.
The TC declared well founded a habeas corpus request submitted by Sachi Fujimori in favor of her sister.
(END) RMCH/CVC/MVB
Published: 1/28/2020