LIMA, March 11 (NNN-ANDINA) — The Supreme Court for Preparatory Investigation ordered 36 months of pre-trial detention for ousted ex-President Pedro Castillo for allegedly being the ringleader of a criminal organization.
The measure corresponds to the investigation into the former President over alleged corruption acts at Petroperu State-run oil company, as well as at the Ministries of Transportation-Communications and Housing-Construction-Sanitation.
The Prosecutor’s Office had requested preventive detention for the ex-President, also for former Ministers Juan Silva Villegas (Transportation) and Geiner Alvarado (Housing).
They are accused of the alleged commission of the following crimes: being part of a criminal organization, influence peddling, and collusion to the detriment of the Peruvian State.
The hearing was held virtually. It was presided over by Supreme Preparatory Investigation Judge Juan Carlos Checkley.
During the hearing on March 7, Prosecutor Galinka Meza Salas mentioned 283 serious and well-founded elements of conviction that link those investigated with the crimes they are accused of, statements by aspiring cooperating witnesses, regular witnesses, minutes, reports, and others.
Meanwhile, the lawyers for the defendants had requested declaring the prosecutor’s petition unfounded because, presumably, the requirements established by the Criminal Procedure Code to impose the measure had not been met.
Former President Pedro Castillo is currently serving 18-month pre-trail detention at Lima’s Barbadillo Prison due to the proceedings over the alleged crime of rebellion.
As is known, Castillo was constitutionally impeached and removed from office by Parliament on December 7, 2022 —the day on which he announced a coup.
Judge Juan Carlos Checkley also ordered 36-month pre-trial detention for former Transportation Minister Juan Silva Villegas, who is investigated for allegedly being part of a criminal organization and others.
The magistrate ordered his location and capture at the national and international levels.
Meanwhile, he imposed restricted appearance and rules of conduct on Geiner Alvarado.
In this regard, the Prosecutor’s Office stated that it will appeal the resolution on the former Housing Minister. — NNN-AGENCIES
