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President’s Sister Under House Arrest. Margarita President´s Sister
Under House Arrest. An
anti-corruption judge has placed President Alejandro Toledo’s sister under
house arrest for masterminding the mass falsification of petition signatures
to register his political party. According to the report, Judge Saul Pena
Farfan found sufficient evidence to proceed to trial against Margarita Toledo
and 25 other defendants, and ordered her house arrest. President Toledo has
repeatedly denied allegations that his sister oversaw the systematic forging
of names in 1997 and 1998 on his behalf to make his Peru Possible party
eligible for the 2000 elections. (Newsday,
USA, Japan: Fujimori on list blocking entry
to US. Former President Alberto
Fujimori is on a watch list barring his entry to the Peru’s former spymaster sentenced to 15 years. It was reported that former
Peruvian intelligence Chief Vladimiro Montesinos was sentenced to 15 years in
jail after a local court found him guilty of embezzlement, conspiracy and
corruption. Montesinos was found guilty of paying millions of dollars in
bribes to television executives to buy their support for Fujimori’s candidacy
during his 2000 reelection campaign. (Yahoo
News (AFP), June 29, 2004, summary by Sherldine Tomlinson). Peru prosecutor seeks 5-year sentence for Fujimori's
daughter. It was
reported that a prosecutor filed
charges seeking five years in prison for Ex-President Alberto Fujimori's
daughter. The charges have alleged
that Keiko Fujimori mishandled donations as first lady. The prosecutor also
asked for a fine of 5,000 soles (US$1,430) and that authorities block Keiko
Fujimori from holding public office for two years. The request has come nine
days before Keiko Fujimori's July 3 wedding. (Associated Press, 25 June 2004 summary by Sherldine Tomlinson).
Peru's former police chief who caught rebel leader charged with corruption. Prosecutors have filed corruption charges against a retired police chief seen as a national hero for his role in the 1992 capture of the feared founder of the Shining Path guerrillas, Peru's attorney general’s. State prosecutors have filed charges against retired police Gen. Ketin Vidal after a two-year investigation into his property purchases. Prosecutors allege that Vidal's salary as the head of Peru's police national police force could not have enabled him to pay cash for four houses across Lima. (Associated Press, 17 June 2004 summary Sherldine Tomlinson).
Peru convicts two former ministers. According to reports, a court convicted two former Cabinet
ministers. A supreme judge sentenced former Interior Minister Fernando
Dianderas to four years in prison, while Justice Minister Alberto Bustamante
received two years. However, both sentences were suspended. (CNN News, May 7, 2004, summary by
Sherldine Tomlinson). Peru’s president defends wife against allegations of mishandling funds. President Alejandro Toledo has openly defended his wife against allegations that she squandered millions of dollars managed by a government indigenous rights commission that she once led. According to a television news programme, the National Commission of Andean, Amazon and Afro-Peruvian Peoples spent nearly US$5 million of a World Bank loan to pay for high salaries, trips and parties. (CNN 14 Apr 2004 summary by Sherldine Tomlinson). Peru’s ex-leader plans political comeback. Defiant in the face of an extradition request, former Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori dismissed murder charges against him back home as baseless and declared his intention to re-enter Peruvian politics. Just hours after Peruvian authorities formally petitioned Japan to deport him, a relaxed and smiling Fujimori told The Associated Press he is “completely innocent.” As a Japanese citizen, Fujimori is shielded from extradition. The government says it does not deport citizens, even criminals, to countries such as Peru with which Japan does not share an extradition treaty. Legal experts say Japan has no obligation to reply to Peru’s petition. (Associated Press 31 Jul 2003 summary by Sherldine Tomlinson). Former Peruvian Spy Chief Sentenced to Another 5 Years. A
Lima court has sentenced jailed former Peruvian spy chief Vladimiro
Montesinos to eight more years in prison for corruption. Montesinos was
convicted of charges he gave a 1998 mayoral candidate, Luis Bedoya de
Vivanco, a campaign contribution of more than $25,000 in public funds. Bedoya
received a five-year term, while a former presidential aide, Tomas Gonzales,
was sentenced to three years behind bars for arranging the meeting between
the two men. Montesinos has already been sentenced to nine years in prison
for abuse of power and five years for corruption. (VOANews, June 4, 2003 summary by Sherldine Tomlinson).
Peru’s Ex - Spy Chief Montesinos CONVICTED. A Peruvian court sentenced ex spy chief Vladimiro Montesinos to eight years in prison on embezzlement charges for giving a mayoral candidate $25,000 in public funds for a 1998 campaign. The candidate, Luis Bedoya, received a five-year sentence, while former presidential aide Tomas Gonzales got three years for setting up the meeting between the two men. Montesinos has already received a nine year sentence last July for illegally taking control of Peru’s intelligence agency. In March, he was sentenced to five years on influence peddling charges for helping to get his former mistress brother out of jail. A corruption scandal involving Montesinos triggered the November 2000 collapse of President Alberto Fujimori’s decade long rule. (New York Times, May 29, 2003, summary by Sherldine Tomlinson).
Activists Urge Japan to Extradite Fujimori. Japanese and Peruvian activists have urged the Japanese government to send former president Alberto Fujimori back to Peru so he could stand trial for a variety of charges including murder. Fujimori, who is the son of Japanese immigrants, fled to Japan in November 2000 after 10 years in power in the midst of a corruption scandal that broke when a video surfaced showing his top aide, Vladimiro Montesinos, bribing a congressman. Fujimori is wanted in Peru on a variety of charges, the most serious of which is murder linked to allegations that he authorized two massacres by a military death squad in the early 1990s. Japan has refused to send Fujimori back to Peru to face a variety of charges, saying it does not extradite its citizens. (Tehran Times, May 19, 2003, summary by Sherldine Tomlinson).
Public Trial Opens for Ex - Peru Spy CHIEF. According to reports, judges opened the third public trial against Peru’s fallen spy chief Vladimiro Montesinos, this time on influence peddling charges. The case is based on a videotaped meeting in 1999 at which a Peruvian media mogul offered to fire a television journalist critical of the government of former President Alberto Montesinos, who served as the head of the Peru’s intelligence service during Fujimori’s 1990-2000 regimes. Montesinos secretly filmed hundreds of videos in which he appeared bribing elite Peruvians or offering to fix their legal problems in exchange for favours. A bribery scandal involving Montesinos triggered the collapse of Fujimori’s rule in November 2000. (New York Times, April 9, 2003 summary by Sherldine Tomlinson).
SPY CHIEF CONVICTED.Vladimiro Montesinos was convicted today in Lima in the first of 60 public trials he faces. Accused of widespread corruption during President Fujimori's 10-year regime, the former Peruvian spy chief received a five-year prison sentence for having used his power to release his former mistress's brother from jail. In a closed court in July, the 57-year old Montesinos was sentenced to nine years in prison for taking illegal control of Peru's spy agency during Mr. Fujimori's corruption-riddled presidency. Mr. Montesinos faces more trials related to gun running, drug trafficking, electoral fraud, and other charges. (New York Times, March 25, 2003, summary by K. McLean). Interpol
reissues warrant for former Peru president. Interpol has reissued an international arrest warrant charging former
Peru President Alberto Fujimori with murder after receiving additional
information from the government. Prosecutors have accused Fujimori of
authorizing the 1991 massacre of 15 revellers and the 1992 killings of nine
university students and a professor. The former president has lived in Japan
since fleeing a corruption scandal that toppled his decade-long regime in
November 2000. He denies the charges. Interpol also has issued a warrant on
charges Fujimori misused public funds to give his former spy chief Vladimiro
Montesinos $15 million in severance pay. (Nando (Times, March 10, 2003 summary by Sherldine Tomlinson). Preparing Extradition Request for Ex – MINISTER. Peru is preparing an extradition request for former Economy Minister Jorge Baca, who was arrested in Argentina while on a mission for the International Monetary Fund. International police agency arrested Baca at the request of Peruvian authorities, who accuse him of embezzlement and other corruption-related crimes while he was a minister in the late 1990s for President Alberto Fujimori, who was ousted in a corruption scandal. (New York Times, February 20, 2003 summary by Sherldine Tomlinson).
CORRUPT JUDGES FROM FUJIMORI ERA REMAIN UNTOUCHABLE - Since September 2001, Congress have kept under wraps the corruption scandals which involved prosecutors and Supreme Court justices who were involved in the Judicial Branch corruption network led by Montesinos and Fujimori. The accused have yet been questioned for their actions during the Fujimori-Montesinos government. It has been well known that all the accused are enjoying the wealth they earned while the Fujimori-Montesinos government was in power and are living peacefully in their luxurious residences and beach houses. Congress has stated that the lack of action was due to the lack of evidence or the need for further inquiries into the trials. In addition, current law prevents the Judicial Branch from charging former Supreme Court justices without Congress’s approval. Although certain charges have been laid against the accused, they are only minor infringements that carry minimum sentences. (Financial Times, January 8, 2003, summarized by Vincent Fung).
Woman who helped Montesinos escape deported to Peru Former
Peruvian police official Liliana Pizarro was deported from the United States.
She will go on trial in Peru for allegedly having hired personnel and a yacht
to help Montesinos escape to the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador. Pizarro
convinced a U.S. judge to suspend her deportation until her immigration
status could be evaluated, but a few weeks ago Pizarro decided to abandon her
appeals and accept extradition. Once in Lima, Pizarro was taken to the
Interpol facilities, where she will remain. At that time, she will be handed
over to the anti-corruption courts that are investigating cases linked to
Montesinos and former President Alberto Fujimori (1990-2000). (Northern
Light News (EFE), January 5, 2002, summary by Sherldine Tomlinson). President to begin official visits to Italy, Belgium and Britain. Peruvian President Alejandro
Toledo will travel across Europe on a three-stop tour to discuss the
political affairs in Europe which in finance, and government corruptions. In
Italy, Toledo will meet with senior officials to sign agreements on
immigration, cultural affairs and tourism and is to meet with Pope John Paul
II at the Vatican. Toledo’s stopover in Belgium will include a visit to the
European Parliament and discussions with Belgian officials on financial aid
to strengthen Peruvian democracy. (Northern Light News (EFE), December 2,
2002, summary by Sherldine Tomlinson). PERUVIANS HAVE HIGH TOLERANCE FOR CORRUPTION – POLL According to a survey conducted by a Peruvian government organization, ProEtica, which promotes ethics in government and public life, corruption is an ingrained cultural habit. Jose Ugaz, president of ProEtica, stated that the surveyed showed corruption among Peruvians ranged from plagurism in exams to avoiding paying bus fares or other fees. Despite the removal of former Peruvian president Alberto Fujimori, who most Peruvians saw as the source of corruption in the country’s government, many still participate in small acts of corruption. The study also found that the word “bribe” did not have a negative connotation to half of the people surveyed. (MSNBC News, December 4, 2002, summarized by Vincent Fung). Former Peruvian president hopes to return from
exile . Alberto
Fujimori said that he wants to return to Peru. However, he still faces
charges of dereliction of duty and abandonment of office and corruption and
murder for sanction two massacres of suspected rebel supporters. (Nando Times, November 21, 2002 summary by
Sherldine Tomlinson). Lima mayoral
candidate’s debate issues . According to reports, two candidates
pegged as favourites to win the Peruvian capital’s mayoral race, incumbent
Alberto Andrade, and the former head of the country’s Social Security, Luis
Castaneda, met head on in a debate to win over voters for the up coming
election. The current mayor came out swinging
in the debate, saying his opponent had failed to come up with a plan to fight
crime. The rest of the debate entered on social programs, transparency in the
management of public funds and transportation. Jabs hinting at past
corruption scandals in the city government and Social Security were also
exchanged. (Northern Light, November 11, 2002, summary by Sherldine Tomlinson). PERU INVESTIGATE FUJIMORI’S SECRET BANK ACCOUNTS. Peru’s Ministry of Justice has hired an American company, Kroll Associates, to investigate former President Alberto Fujimori’s secret bank accounts abroad. Peru’s anti-corruption prosecutor, Luis Vargas, that dirty money, which could come from drug trafficking, was deposited in financial institutions in Asia. The prosecutor said Kroll Associates was going to investigate clues to the alleged bank accounts abroad. Kroll Associates had a world reputation for financial investigations and had provided services to governments and international organizations. (Xinhua News Agency, October 25, 2002, summary by Sherldine Tomlinson). PERUVIAN COURT GIVES UP INDICTING EX-AMBASSADOR TO
JAPAN The Lima District Court said that he gave up indicting Victor Aritomi,
a former Peruvian ambassador to Japan, on an embezzlement charge, citing a
lack of evidence, Peruvian media reported. Aritomi, brother-in-law of former
Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori, now lives in Japan with his wife Rosa
after obtaining Japanese nationality in July 2001. The decision by a judge
against bringing indictment following a criminal prosecution has effectively
acquitted the former diplomat, the media reported, adding that the prosecutor
in charge has also agreed with the decision.(Kyodo News, August 22, 2002, summary by Sherldine Tomlinson). Lima,
INVESTIGATOR: MISSING MILLIONS. A former special investigator said Peru would
be hiring a money-tracking firm to find the funds that ex-President Alberto
Fujimori is accused of having stolen. “There are several pieces of evidence,
which unfortunately ... cannot be made public yet, that the money has been
taken to Asia,” Jose Ugaz said on Tuesday. According to Mr. Ugaz,
investigators estimate that Fujimori stole “several tens of millions of
dollars” but that they don't know exactly where the money is. Fujimori denies
any wrongdoing; he has been granted Japanese citizenship and he is now safe
from extradition to Peru. According to Mr. Ugaz, the Peruvian President
Alejandro Toledo recently chose from among six U.S. and European firms that
bid for the job of tracing the money that Fujimori allegedly stole. (CNN,
February 6, 2002, summary by Pavlidis George). PRESIDENT CHAVEZ APPLAUDS COURT DECISION TO ‘PURSUE’ CARLOS ANDREZ PEREZ The Peruvian Supreme Court of Justice has provided Interpol with details of bank accounts containing over $800,000 belonging to former, two-time President Carlos Perez. The current President Chavez stated the charge of illicit enrichment must be answered to before the statute of limitations expires in 2003. However, Perez, currently in the Dominican Republic, has no faith in judicial system impartiality and does not plan to return at the present time. (EFE News Service, Jan. 6, 2002, summary by Marg Reynolds).
CORRUPTION SUSPECTS HAD KEYS TO JAIL CELLS Alberto Kouri, ex-legislator, and Eduardo Calmell, one-time media executive, have been transferred to tougher prisons after it was discovered they had keys to their cells and to the halls. The two prisoners are accused of taking bribes from Vladimiro Montesinos, former spy chief, and President Alejandro Toledo’s government says that the Montesinos Mafia still wields much influence. (Chicago Tribune, Jan. 5, 2002, summary by Marg Reynolds).
DEADLY INFERNO BLAMED ON CORRUPTION AND NEGLIGENCE A fire caused by tons of stockpiled fireworks stored in the shopping area of Mesa Redondo in downtown Lima has left 292 dead and 919 missing as well as destroyed the buildings of the busy six-block area. Tens of thousands of stands and tiny shops sell cheap, imported goods from countries in the Orient and most of the unlicensed vendors sell fireworks together with the other merchandise. Fernando Rospigliossi, Interior Minister, authorized importation of 1,100 tons of the fireworks despite a 1995 law banning import and sale of fireworks. Further, Ricardo Wong, biggest importer of the fireworks, denied he used military vehicles for transport of the fireworks or that he bribed police to be allowed to stockpile the firecrackers, which were piled in the streets of Mesa Redondo. The charred remains after the estimated 1,000 deg. Celsius inferno is being eyed by the sparse, curious buyers from nearby streets, where the vendors have again set up stands. (Inter Press Service, Jan. 2, 2002, summary by Marg Reynolds).
Lima, PERU'S TOP WRITER BATTLES SON OVER 'CORRUPT' TV. Mario Vargas Llosa is a famous novelist, commentator and friend of President Alejandro Toledo. His proposal to remove television station bosses he calls corrupt put him on collision course with his son, Alvaro Vargas Llosa, a critic of Toledo. Alvaro Vargas Llosa warned that free speech would be at risk. "I am against squelching freedom of expression. It would be a real catastrophe for Peru," he said. "At this extremely delicate moment in the construction of (Peru's) democracy, those who have fled shouldn't be able to still own these stations through henchmen or family members," responded Mario Vargas Llosa. Alvaro Vargas Llosa accused his father of being manipulated by Toledo's government, which he said hoped to gain control of the channels. (Source: Reuters, November 27, 2001, summary by Pavlidis George). BANK
LEUMI LINKED TO MONEY LAUNDERING. The Swiss regulatory Federal Banking
Commission ordered the dismissal of the manager of the Swiss branch of Bank
Leumi for violating money-laundering laws in accepting funds linked to former
Peruvian spy chief Vladimiro Montesinos. According to the commission,
"the bank did not exercise due diligence with regard to Montesinos.
Despite significant amounts deposited and indication of activities in arms
dealing, it did not investigate any further." Montesinos, former
intelligence chief in Peru, was involved into massive corruption of military
chiefs, judges, and congressmen. He was arrested in Venezuela on a
wide-ranging Peruvian warrant in June. (Source: The Jerusalem Post, November
13, 2001, summary by Pavlidis George).
FORMER SPY CHIEF CONTINUES TO INFLUENCE CORRUPTION FROM WITHIN JAIL. Former Spy chief and right hand man of Alberto Fujimori from 1990- 2000, Vladimiro Montesinos has demanded a bribe of $700,000 from a former electoral officer, Jose Cassava, even from within jail. The officer’s lawyer, Jose Luis Echaiz, has alleged that the money was demanded by Montesinos as a price to keep his mouth shut about a vote- rigging scandal in which Jose Cassava was involved. Additionally, Echaiz has given the details of the apparent ease with which he was able to penetrate the naval base prison in Lima where Montesinos was being held in order to talk things out with him. Echaiz said that the matter remained unfinished because Montesinos was put in isolation following an unauthorised television interview with him, which was telecast by Telemundo channel in the US on October 1st. Cassava has, since then, turned himself in to the anti- corruption judges currently examining the charges against him, of falsification of 1mn signatures to get former President Alberto Fujimori registered for candidacy last year. Monstesinos’ men allegedly mobbed Echaiz to threaten him to keep quiet, just as he was on his way to first report the bribery incident to the judicial authorities. Montesinos, who is the architect of the web of corruption that has been spreading through Peru for over a decade now, had sparked off a major corruption scandal when a secret videotape showed him bribing a congressman. The scandal felled Fujimori, who is now on a self- imposed exile in Japan to shield himself from the charges of human rights violation against him. Justice Minister Fernando Olivera has ordered an investigation into these allegations and has assured the media that if indeed it were true that Montesinos was still doing whatever he liked from even within custody, the Government would clamp down on the tentacles of corruption which are operating from within the naval base. (Yahoo News / Reuters, November 7, 2001, summary by Aruna Balakrishnan).
Lima, JUDGE STUDIES CHARGES AGAINST PERU'S TOP BANKER. Jimena Cayo, a Peruvian anti-corruption judge, said she was studying influence-peddling charges against the country's top banker Dionisio Romero. The charges relate to the so-called Hayduk case involving one of Peru's biggest fishing companies whose shareholders were charged with drugs trafficking. Dionisio Romero, chairman of the Banco de Credito, has denied any wrongdoing. A Banco de Credito spokesman has declined to comment on the case. (Source: Yahoo news -Reuters, November 6, 2001, summary by Pavlidis George).
THE PRESIDENT CUTS HIS SALARY BY ONE THIRD IN THE WAKE OF CRITICISM. In an announcement to high school students, which was broadcast live on radio, President Alejandro Toledo said that he was taking a pay cut from $18,000 to $12,000. He has also said that the excess $18,000 which he had earned in the last 3 months since he took office, would be used to fund poor childrens’ education in the poorest parts of Peru. Toledo who came to power in June on promise of creating 4,00,000 jobs in a year and his goal of poverty reduction, has been lately facing a slump in popularity ratings and intense criticism from opposition and public of having the highest salary ever, of any Latin American President, particularly in a poverty- ridden country. (The Associated Press, November 5, 2001, summary by Aruna Balakrishnan).
Lima, PERUVIAN CONGRESSMAN CALLS FOR AN INVESTIGATION INTO EXILED FORMER PRESIDENT FUJIMORI FOR ALLEGEDLY MISUSING DONATIONS FROM JAPAN FOR THE VICTIMS OF A 1997 SHOOT-OUT AT THE JAPANESE AMBASSADOR'S RESIDENCE. On April 22, 1997 military commandos raided the Japanese ambassador's residence in order to rescue hostages held by Marxist rebels. Two army officers and one hostage died, prompting one newspaper in Japan to solicit donations from readers to send to the relatives of the victims. Allegedly, there are discrepancies between Fujimori's account of how the donations were distributed and recent statements by victims' relatives and a former presidential staffer. For example, Marina Collado, the widow of Army Col. Juan Valer, said that she only received $43,687 from the donations rather than the $100,000 Fujimori had publicly promised. (Source: AP, CNN, October 24, 2001, summary by Pavlidis George).
DISGRACED FORMER PRESIDENT FUJIMORI DENIES EMBEZZLING DONATIONS. In a fax sent to a Japanese news agency, former President, Alberto Fujimori has denied embezzling donations to the tune of $US 12.5 million meant for Peruvian children for educational, sports and health facilities, into his bank account in Tokyo in 1990, as alleged by his ex- wife. He has requested Peru’s Attorney General Nelly Calderon to enquire with donors on this front as they had been given a free reign to audit their contributions. After 10 years of autocratic rule, Fujimori fled Peru amongst a spate of corruption allegations, and is now a resident of Japan. Though no charges have been filed on the embezzling allegations, he is also under investigation on shady arms deals, sanctioning of a death squad, and an international arrest warrant has been issued by a Peruvian judge for his role in two death squad massacres in early 1990s. Japan has no extradition agreement with Peru, moreover their laws prohibit extradition of their citizens to face trial in a foreign land, and hence Fujimori continues to stay there. He has alleged that these accusations are intended political persecution efforts meant to sway Japanese public opinion against him.(AAP, October 11, 2001, summary by Aruna Balakrishnan).
Lima, EX-FINANCE MINISTER WANTED FOR ALLEGED COUP PLOT.
Anti-corruption Judge Luz Janet Rugel ordered Carlos
Bolona placed under house arrest on allegations he conspired with former
spy chief Vladimiro Montesinos to carry out
a coup against Fujimori. Bolona was finance minister from 1991 to
1993.He
also served briefly as provisional president last year. According to
his
lawyer, Bolona will turn himself in, once he is sure he is not the
target
of political persecution. Bolona has said that he was approached by
Montesinos
to replace Fujimori but has told he immediately rejected the offer.
Montesinos is already in prison, awaiting trial on dozens of charges,
including
influence peddling, money laundering and illicit arms dealing. Fujimori
now lives in exile in Japan. The Japanese Government has refused to
extradite
him to Peru. (Source: CNN Com, October 9, 2001, summary by Pavlidis
George). Head of Peruvian TV station arrested in Argentina on corruption charges. Ernesto Schutz, president of Panamericana Television was arrested in Argentina and awaits extradition, for allegedly receiving $350,000 in cash from ex- spy chief and top advisor of the erstwhile Fujimori Government, Vladimiro Montesinos, on the basis of an undated videotape aired at the Congress. Montesinos, now jailed under several charges including extortion, arms smuggling and drug trafficking, is believed to have had a web of corruption across the Peruvian Government, military and media, and is said to have secretly videotaped all his dealings. Former president Alberto Fujimori’s government fell last November due to a corruption deal involving Montesinos and he is now exiled in Japan. (New Jersey Online, October 3, 2001, summary by Aruna Balakrishnan).
PERUVIAN OFFICIALS
REPATRIATE $18 MILLION FROM CAYMAN ISLANDS. The funds that former Peruvian spy chief Vladimiro Montesinos held in
offshore Cayman Islands accounts, estimated at some $18 million, have been
transferred to Banco de la Nacion, Justice Minister Fernando Olivera
said. Olivera said that the funds would be used by the Public Ministry
to fight corruption. ( EFE News Service, August 16, 2001, summary by Barbara
Gray). EX-PRESECUTOR DETAINED FOR CORRUPTION. Peruvian police arrested the country's ex-prosecutor Blanca Nelia Colon, who is accused of corruption and covering up the wrongdoing by a corrupt official. The authorities detected Colon's irregular income, which allowed her to buy a house worth about 800,000 U. S. dollars. She also faces charges including having destroyed the files of Vladimiro Montesinos, the former presidential assessor and ex-spy chief, who has been accused of crimes ranging from corruption to human rights violations. (XINHUA, July 26, 2001, summary by Barbara Gray).
PERUVIAN GROUP CALLS FOR BOYCOTT OF JAPANESE PRODUCTS. Demonstrators threw eggs at the Japanese embassy and called on Peru's government to withdraw its ambassador from Tokyo and boycott Japanese goods. Demonstrators were angered over Japan granting nationality to ousted ex-president Alberto Fujimori and Victor Aritomi Shinto, Fujimori's former brother-in-law, both wanted in Peru on corruption charges. (Agence France Presse, July 24, 2001, summary by Barbara Gray).
VICTOR ARITOMI NATURALIZED BY JAPAN. Last year, the former
Peruvian president Alberto Fujimori fled to Japan to avoid
prosecution on charges of corruption (Japan has no extradition
treaty with Peru). The Japanese government has already announced that
it has no intention of sending Fujimori back. Now, Victor Aritomi,
former ambassador of Peru to Tokyo and the
brother-in-law of the former Peruvian President follows the example of
Fujimori.
He has been granted the Japanese citizenship and this development
increases
the chances that he won't be sent to Lima to face corruption charges.
Peruvian prosecutors believe that Victor Aritomi was present in an
illegal
money transfer ($15 million) by Fujimori to former spy chief Vladimiro
Montesinos. According to the Justice Ministry of Peru, a woman named
Rosa Aritomi was also granted nationality Tuesday. The embassy of Peru
in
Tokyo identified her as Aritomi's wife and Fujimori's sister. (Source:
Associated
Press, July 18, 2001, summary by Pavlidis George).
EX-PRESIDENT DENIES DEPOSITING CHARITY MONEY INTO PERSONAL ACCOUNT Susana Higuchi, congresswoman and ex-wife of former President Alberto Fujimori, has alleged that he deposited $12.5 million in donations from Japan meant for a Peruvian children’s foundation to his personal account. Fujimori has denied the charge and plans to sue Higuchi. In another case, Vladimiro Montesinos has been accused of diverting confiscated cocaine slated for incineration to be re-exported to Mexico and possibly the United States. An estimated 18 tons of cocaine was brokered by Montesinos for sale to the Tijuana-based Arellano Felix drug cartel between 1995 and 1999. (New Jersey On Line (AP), July 8, 2001, summary by Marg Reynolds)
EX-SPY CHIEF BACK IN PERU AS PRISONER Vladimiro Montesinos returned to Peru to face the ‘trials’ of the century, as he will face 50 trials based on 150 investigations. Cooperation could reduce a possible life sentence, but upon being handed over to Antonio Ketin Vidal, Peruvian Interior Minister, he stated simply, ‘It was my turn to lose’. Accounts in the amount of $58 million and $38 million have been frozen in the Cayman Islands and Miami respectively. Montesinos was captured alone, without a struggle, deserted by friends, family and bodyguards, and in a Soviet-style apartment slum. The man who once controlled a private army and passed out bricks of money simply raised his hands and surrendered. (L.A. Times, June 26, 2001, summary by Marg Reynolds).
CONGRESS LIFTS LID ON CORRUPTION David Waissman, congressional commission president, has implicated 180 former associates of Alberto Fujimori, disgraced former President, in corruption scandals. Included is Miguel Medina, new armed forces chief, for his part in irregularities surrounding the purchase of three Russian MIF-29 fighter planes sold as new when they were not. Middlemen took a cut of about $80 million on this transaction. The possibility of Alberto Fujimori returning to Peru from his indefinitely extended trip to Japan to face charges becomes ever more remote. (BBC News, June 13, 2001, summary by Marg Reynolds).
ANOTHER FUJIMORI ASSOCIATE CHARGED WITH CORRUPTION David Waisman, Congressman and congressional committee spokesman, has presented charges against Victor Joy Way, former Prime Minister and former Economics Minister, for illicit enrichment. More than $10 million was discovered in at least three Swiss bank accounts, which he claims were consultancy fees. A congressional decision will be made as to lifting his immunity from prosecution. (BBC News, June 1, 2001, summary by Marg Reynolds).
ELECTIONS CANNOT ERASE PAST LEGACY OF CORRUPTION Eduardo Stein, observer mission delegation leader for the Organization of American States, said the political scandals of the past months have done untold damage to public confidence in political classes and institutions. A grace period for the new administration will not be granted, and the cynicism and lack of faith will cause the desperately needed reforms to be extremely tough to push through. Jose Ugaz believes the mistrust may never fully disappear. (BBC News, May 30, 2001, summary by Marg Reynolds).
TRUTH COMMISSION TO BE CREATED An era of terrorism under the last three presidents has caused the establishment of a seven-member truth commission dedicated to investigate human rights abuses in which 30,000 people died and 4,000 disappeared. The commission will function for eighteen months and the mandate will include investigating the violence committed in the country over the last twenty years. (BBC News, May 26, 2001, summary by Marg Reynolds).
EFFORT TO WEAKEN MONTESINOS PROBE SUSPECTED Jose Ugaz, State attorney, believes a trace of Montesinos’ influence in the judiciary may still be evidenced by the suspicious disappearance of key evidence and the removal of two prosecutors involved in the probe. Nelly Calderon, Attorney General, rejected the idea that the public prosecutor'’ office was still subject to the Montesinos mafia and that the allegations would harm her corruption-fighting institution. She stated Flor de Maria Alva, prosecutor, has asked to be removed from the case. Victor Cubas, the second prosecutor, stated he had been pressured to lighten charges against Dionisio Romero, Banco de Credito owner, and to exonerate Alfredo Jalilie, Deputy Economy Minister, of complicity with Montesinos. (Yahoo News (Reuters), May 25, 2001, summary by Marg Reynolds).
SPY CHIEF MONTESINOS SAID TO BE PAID $15 MILLION FUJIMORI TO QUIT Jose Ugaz, chief corruption prosecutor, quoted from the testimony of Carlos Bergamino, former Defense Minister, that Vladimiro Montesinos demanded $1.5 million from Alberto Fujimori for every year of service. Ugaz stated the charge of misuse of state money would be the first, amongst other crimes, to implicate Fujimori directly in corruption. The $15 million was to have been used by the Defense Ministry to reinforce the northern border against Colombian rebels. (NYT (Reuters), May 10, 2001, summary by Marg Reynolds).
PERU TO INVESTIGATE MISSING GOLD Nelly Calderon, Attorney General, has launched an investigation into allegations Alberto Fujimori stole $1 billion before being ousted and fleeing to Japan. Gold ingots are reportedly missing from the central bank vault, however the bank denied gold bars, cash, share certificates, or other valuables have been removed since 1992. (FT, May 4, 2001, summary by Marg Reynolds).
‘FUGIMORI A LYING PLUNDERER’ SAYS HEAD OF CONGRESSIONAL INVESTIGATION. David Waisman, head of an investigating congressional committee, alleged Alberto Fujimori, former President, made off with booty including cash, diamonds, securities, and bullion. Fujimori stated the charges were ‘absurd and ridiculous’ and that David Waisman was seeking publicity in view of his campaign for second vice presidency in the upcoming election. Waisman is preparing charges of illegal use of state funds against Fujimori and states these charges are based on corroborated testimony of a public figure that he considers direct proof. Waisman further stated that the money Fujimori embezzled was hidden in bank accounts in several Asian nations. Fujimori’s memoirs are due to be published in July for around $20; he will receive 10%. (Japan Today (Reuters), May 4, 2001, summary by Marg Reynolds).
QUESTIONED PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE SAYS HE HAS NOTHING TO HIDE ON FINANCING Alejandro Toledo, presidential front runner and centrist free-marketer, stated his campaign funds were moved to the U.S. because of tensions over the 2000 election, which were rigged against him by Alberto Fujimori. George Soros, financier, donated $1 million and a portion of this together with other donations were transferred to the account of Jorge Toledo, Alejandro’s nephew and aid. An audit of the Soros Fund has been satisfied, he finished first in the April 8 election, but he has been forced into a run-off with Alan Garcia, leftist ex-President. (MSNBC News, May 3, 2001, summary by Marg Reynolds).
LUXEMBOURG FREEZES SUSPECTED ACCOUNTS OF MONTESINOS Swiss Judge, Cornelia Cova, requested Luxembourg freeze $6 million on accounts allegedly linked to Vladimiro Montesinos, to be considered with the $113 million presently frozen in various Swiss banks. An estimated $48 million was in accounts was named to Montesinos, the remainder was named to his entourage members. The money was derived from arms trafficking between Russia and Peru, according to investigators; Swiss authorities will withhold part of the sum for crimes other than that of a Peruvian-based trial for corruption. (MISNA News, Apr 26, 2001, summary by Marg Reynolds).
NEW BANK ACCOUNTS FOUND INVOLVING EX-FINANCE MINISTER AND GENERAL Bank accounts belonging to Victor Joy Way, former Peruvian Finance Minister, and Gen. Nicolas de Bari Hermoza, former Peruvian Armed Forces chief, have been frozen by authorities following a Swiss probe of assets belonging to Vladimiro Montesinos, former Secret Services head. A total of $10 million was frozen in accounts of Mr. Way and $5 million frozen in accounts of Gen. Hermoza. Folco Galli, Justice Ministry spokesman, stated Peru would likely file a formal request for legal assistance to recover the newly discovered funds. (SwissInfo, Apr 20, 2001, summary by Marg Reynolds).
REPLACEMENT OF MILITARY COMMANDERS Valentin Paniagua, Interim President, has accepted the resignations of three military commanders who were shown in videos pledging support for Alberto Fujimori, former President. The commanders stated they, together with hundreds of other officers, had no choice but to sign their support of a military system controlled by Vladimiro Montesinos. Lt. Gen. Miguel Angel Medina will replace Gen. Pablo Carbone, head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Navy Adm. Victor Ramos will be replaced by Vice Adm. Luis Vargas; and Army Gen. Carlos Tafur will be replaced by Gen. Carlos Cacho. (Yahoo News (AP), Apr 18, 2001, summary by Marg Reynolds).
FORWARD TO THE PAST – EDITORIAL Alejandro Toledo, front-runner in the election and clear favorite, will run in the second round against Alan Garcia Perez, ex-President and voted to hold second place. Voters have forgotten Garcia’s name was synonymous with corruption and also have forgotten the legacies of ruinous inflation and the horrendous human rights record of his administration, which ended in 1990. The era of disillusionment may not yet be over for Peru. (Neue Zurcher Zeitung, Apr 10, 2001, summary by Marg Reynolds).
MONEY LAUNDERING WEB CATCHES U.S. BANKS Victor Alberto Venero-Garrido was arrested by the FBI on charges of laundering money in the amount of about $15 million for Peruvian ex-spy chief, Vladimiro Montesinos. The authorities were alerted by Citibank and other banks when they noticed unusual activity in the accounts. Although banks are becoming more vigilant and are tipping off authorities to suspected money laundering, it has been estimated that $500 billion to $1.5 trillion of illegal money is moved annually through the global financial system. Peruvians allege Vanero stole or misused more than $100 million from the Treasury Department and police and military pension funds. (Yahoo News (Reuters), Mar 28, 2001, summary by Marg Reynolds).
CANDIDATE CHALLENGES RIVAL TO DRUG TEST Fernando Olivera, presidential candidate running on an anti-corruption platform, recently took a drug test and challenged Alejandro Toledo, his front-running rival, to do the same. Toledo tested positive to cocaine in 1998, and has stated agents of Vladimiro Montesinos kidnapped, drugged and filmed him. Further, Olivera has called on other presidential contenders, including Lourdes Flores and Alan Garcia to take drug tests as well. (Yahoo News (Reuters), Mar. 27, 2001, summary by Marg Reynolds).
PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE TOLEDO IN STORM OVER COCAINE ALLEGATIONS. Caretas, a leading current affairs magazine, reported Alejandro Toledo, leading presidential candidate, tested positive in a drug test. Toledo has denied reports he tried to stop publication of the story, that he has never taken cocaine, and that the story results from a 1998 blackmail attempt by Vladimiro Montesinos. However, Caretas reports the alleged kidnapping may be false, that Toledo fathered a child thirteen years ago by a woman not his wife, and that he offered Jimmy Torres, Caretas reporter, a job on his campaign team carrying out investigations of other presidential candidates. Toledo is popular in Peru and may be the victim of smear campaigns and harassment by government officials of former president, Alberto Fujimori. (Yahoo news (Reuters), Mar. 23, 2001, summary by Marg Reynolds).
CITIZENS DISILLUSIONED BY RELENTLESS CORRUPTION SCANDALS Peruvians have watched with disgust and frustration as the corrupt core of Fujimori’s government was exposed during the recent months. They believe, however, that job creation is a more important campaign issue than curbing corruption as nearly three quarters of the workforce remains underemployed. Future labor enhancement programs should be steered toward sectors such as tourism or agribusiness that are labor intensive; however, foreign investment has gone to mechanized industries such as mining and oil. (Yahoo News (AP), Mar. 22, 2001, summary by Marg Reynolds).
PERU/JAPAN: FUJIMORI WON’T SPOIL RELATIONS BETWEEN THE TWO COUNTRIES. Ambassador Luis Macchiavello believes both Peru and Japan will do what is best for each country and that further investment interest will not be altered by either a possible official request for extradition of Alberto Fujimori or by the election of a new president. Both leading presidential candidates are economically similar in views and would continue moving the economy in the direction of the old days. (CNN.com, Mar. 21, 2001, summary by Marg Reynolds).
NEW VIDEOS REVEAL POLITICAL CORRUPTION IN PERU Former President Alberto Fujimori joins government and opposition congressmen, cabinet ministers, judges, army officers, bankers, and media moguls that have been caught red-handed making deals in the videos of Vladimiro Montesinos. Peruvians have demanded all videos be shown publicly before they elect their new president in April. (CNN, Mar. 18, 2001, summary by Marg Reynolds).
AS CORRUPTION PROBE DEEPENS, OFFICIALS WEIGH EXTRADITION Congress voted to remove the legal immunity of Alberto Fujimori on charges of abandoning his post and failing fulfillment of the duties of a public servant and plans to submit these charges within three weeks to authorities in Tokyo. The initial charges each invoke a possible two-year jail term, however, authorities are also investigating presidential decrees signed by Fujimori for government purchases of almost $1 billion. Officials in Tokyo may offer little cooperation in Peru’s extradition efforts, notwithstanding Peru’s investigation of the more than 120 decrees, which may involve evidence of corruption and treason. (Newsday, Mar. 11, 2001, summary by Marg Reynolds).
SPY CHIEF MASTERMINDED RETRIAL Lori Berenson, former Massachusetts Institute of Technology student, has been granted a retrial by a civilian court on the charge of terrorist collaboration, due to United States political pressure. Lori was originally sentenced to life imprisonment by a military court on the charge of terrorism for helping plan a thwarted takeover of Congress by the leftist Tupac Amaru Revolutionary Movement. A videotape tape shows Vladimiro Montesinos planning to overturn her original sentence two years in advance and also discussing a possible pardon. Lori denies involvement in the takeover plot and also the rebel terrorist group. President Valentin Paniagua stated Berenson would receive a fair trial and prosecutors have called for a 20-year sentence. (Yahoo News (AP), Mar. 10, 2001, summary by Marg Reynolds).
ANTI-CORRUPTION CANDIDATE’S CANDIDACY IGNORED Fernando Olivera, distant fourth in opinion polls in the upcoming presidential elections, has stated his release of the videotape of the bribing of a Congressman caused Alberto Fujimori’s corrupt dictatorship to fall from power. Olivera’s sixteen-year legislative career spans the governments of Alan Garcia and Alberto Fujimori and has forced the creation of investigative panels over corruption allegations, but has not represented a defined electorate segment or a region of the country. (Bloomberg News, Mar. 9, 2001, summary by Marg Reynolds).
Lima, MiG-29 CRASHES IN TESTS LINKED TO SPY PROBE. A
Russian-made MiG-29 fighter jet crashed during a test to
determine if it was purchased as part of a corruption scheme. The checks of
16 MiG-29s were part of the investigation against ex-spy chief
and now fugitive Vladimiro Montesinos. The
MiG-29 planes were purchased from Russia and Belarus in the 1990s.
According
to congressional investigators, the purchase may have been used as
a
front by Montesinos to siphon $48 million into his secret bank accounts in
Switzerland.
A relative congressional report cited evidence of "crimes and
serious
irregularities" in arms purchases between 1990 and 2000 by the
government
of former President Fujimori. (Source: Reuters, March 13, 2001, summary
by Pavlidis George).
CHURCH TO HANDLE SEXUALLY COMPROMISING SPY VIDEOS The Roman Catholic Church will return secretly recorded videotapes to election officials, lawmakers, top military officers, business leaders, and media heads that captured often sexually compromising situations – sometimes filmed in a Lima brothel. Court officials have reviewed hundred of videos for evidence of bribes and other illegal dealings that were alleged formerly held by spymaster, Vladimiro Montesinos. The officials plan to give an undisclosed number of videos considered personal and not in the scope of their investigation to the church for return to those that appear in them. (Yahoo News, AP, Feb. 21, 2001, summary by Marg Reynolds).
CONGRESS DEBATE MAY LEAD TO FUJIMORI TRIAL A decision by Congress to pursue constitutional charges of dereliction of duty could lead to criminal charges of embezzlement and misuse of public funds against ex-President Alberto Fujimori. Peruvian legal experts, as well as Javier Perez de Cuellar, Prime Minister, will try to secure Fujimori’s extradition from Japan. (Yahoo News, Reuters, Feb. 22, 2001, summary by Marg Reynolds).
CONGRESS INDICTS FUJIMORI Former President, Alberto Fujimori, has been indicted by the Peruvian Congress and charged with abandonment of office and nonfullfillment of duties. He is also suspended for ten years from holding public office. Pending presentation of hard evidence, the Peruvian Attorney General will decide on pressing criminal charges against Fujimori. He has denied illicit involvement with Vladimiro Montesinos, however, prosecutors are investigating accusations of embezzlement and obstruction of justice charges as he ordered seizure of 700 videos from Montesinos’ apartment in an illegal police raid. (CNN News, Feb. 23, 2001, summary by Marg Reynolds).
CONGRESSMAN WHOSE TAPE SPARKED SCANDAL ARRESTED, JAILED Ex-lawmaker, Alberto Kouri, has been arrested in Lima and charged with illicit enrichment and accepting bribes. He was taped last August receiving a bribe of $15,000 from Vladimiro Montesinos, to switch allegiance to Alberto Fujimori. Kouri turned himself in with the understanding he would receive a fair trial. (Yahoo News, Feb. 28, 2001, summary by Marg Reynolds).
SPYMASTER IN NATIONAL SCANDAL STILL ON LOOSE – A SUMMARY “While Peruvian figures from all walks of life find their reputations in ruins and face jail terms, two men, Vladimiro Montesinos and Alberto Fujimori, who corrupted the whole system of government are at liberty and enjoying millions earned during the good years, when they could manipulate and extort Peru at will. Montesinos has a lot of information about a lot of people, and there are a lot of people who would prefer he not be found”. (Scotland On Sunday, Feb. 25, 2001, summary by Marg Reynolds).
U.S. EXTRADITES FUGITIVE SPY ASSOCIATE Victor Alberto Venero, key accomplice of Vladimiro Montesinos, has been extradited from the United States to Peru to face charges of corruption. FBI officials are investigating a deposit last month of $15 million in a now frozen Miami bank account. Vanero laundered much of Montesinos fortune, estimated by Peruvian investigators to be in excess of $93 million. Vanero may receive a reduced or lifted sentence for collaborating with the Peruvian justice system. (Yahoo News, Reuters, Feb. 24, 2001, summary by Marg Reynolds). Lima, TOP PERU TV HOST QUITS OVER ALLEGED MEDIA CONTROL.
Mr. Cesar Hildebrandt is a TV host and editor of the newspaper
"Liberacion" . He is also one of the principal enemies of
Montesinos and ex-President Alberto Fujimori. Mr. Cesar Hildebrandt
resigned on-air after the boss of his channel, Genaro Delgado Parker, was
revealed to have had links with Vladimiro Montesinos. ``This is very
dirty. I am not going to dirty myself,'' he told viewers. We remind
to you that Vladimiro Montesinos is an ex-spy,
Fujimori's right-hand man for a decade and the key-person in a huge
corruption
scandal that led to Fujimori being fired by Congress last November
as "morally unfit" to rule. (Source: Reuters, February 20,
2001, summary by Pavlidis George). Lima. CORRUPTION VIDEO TAPES. About 2400 tapes left by Peru’s spy chief Vladimiro Montesinos set off a major scandal. It involves many important politicians and other powerful people. For example, one shows Ernesto Gamarra, a congressman receiving money from Luis Venero an arms dealer’s broher. (NY Times, Feb. 3, 2001, p. A3).
Bogota, EXILED PRESIDENT'S INTERVIEW. Alan Garcia, 51, the former president of Peru, has been charged with pocketing more than $1 million in bribes; he left office in 1990 and the country in 1992. Peru was then reeling from 7,650 percent inflation and widespread Shining Path rebel attacks. Now, Alan Garcia announces he will run in April elections despite the corruption charges. He also says he would push for an international anti-poverty plan ("Plan Peru''). "I don't mind if people think I'm corrupt. Bit by bit, brick by brick, I can dismantle (these allegations) ... I accepted no bribes," said the exiled president. On the other hand, State prosecutor Jorge Melo warned that Garcia was liable for arrest if he returned, and could face 10 years in jail. (Source: Reuters, January 9, 2001, summary by Pavlidis George). PRIVITIZATION
DISBURSEMENTS OF $265 MILLION TO BE AUDITED Interim
President, Valentin Paniagua, has pledged his government will investigate
fiscal accounts left by Fujimori, and will launch a probe into $265 million
paid to investment banks and advisors under Peru’s privatization
program. Many international advisors,
including a majority from the U.S., advised on Fujimori’s program on power
companies, telecoms and mining firms.
(AOL News, Reuters, Jan. 4, 2001, summary by Marg Reynolds). EX-MONTESINOS
ALLY WHO HEADED DEFENSE MINISTRY AND INTELLIGENCE SERVICE PREVENTED FROM
LEAVING COUNTRY Julio Salazar, top
associate of Vladimiro Montesinos, was blocked and detained from leaving the
airport of Lima, and Justice Minister Diego Garcia Sayan hopes those under
investigation will not follow a similar route. Salazar faces criminal charges for failure to justify
unexplained wealth. Montesinos bribed
a congressman, Fujimori fled to Japan after being deemed unfit to rule, the
congressional committee discovered retired Gen. Victor malca had $14 million
in accounts in Peru and Cayman, and ret. Gen. Jose Villanueva Ruesta has been
detained and placed under house arrest.
(CNN News, AP, Jan. 3, 2001, summary by Marg Reynolds). FORMER
ARMED FORCES CHIEF ARRESTED IN CORRUPTION SCANDALS. Former Gen. Jose
Villanueva, the armed forces chief under former President Alberto Fujimori,
was arrested and accused of helping ex-spy chief, Vladimiro Montesinos flee
the country and of not justifying his large income and ownership of houses
around Lima. Montesinos escaped in
October while at the center of a bribery scandal and is wanted on a range of
charges from money laundering, running death squads, skimming profits on the
illicit arms and the drug trade, and extorting the media, military and
courts. Jose Ugaz, State Prosecutor,
is a leader of the probe into the Montesinos case, and has stated that the
Interior Minister has ordered Villanueva to be captured. (NYT, Reuters, Dec. 29, 2000, summary
by Marg Reynolds). EX-SPY
CHIEF’S LAWYER ARRESTED Javier
Corrochamo, lawyer to Vladimiro Montesinos, has been arrested and accused of
accepting bribes when assisting drug traffickers in the legal battles. It is expected that the number of inner
circle corruption suspects surrounding Montesinos could be as high as
200. Montesinos has assumed a false
identity and has managed to elude the plastic surgery clinic bill, plus a
squad of Peruvian agents. (BBC
News, Dec. 26, 2000, summary by Marg Reynolds).
Congress ousted Alberto Fujimori on grounds of ‘moral incapacity’ after a corruption scandal involving his ex-spy chief, Vladimiro Montesinos. Corruption including money laundering, narcotics trafficking and arms dealing were alleged to Montesinos.(AP, Nov. 22, 2000, summary by Marg Reynolds).
Alberto Fujimori will resign due to corruption and bribery scandals involving Vladimiro Montesinos, his fugitive former intelligence chief and an opposition congressman..(Ananova, Nov. 19, 2000, summary by Marg Reynolds).
Alberto Fujimori resigns as his former spy-chief, Vladimiro Montesinos, is involved in corruption scandals. Swiss authorities froze $58 million of laundered money. Fujimori’s government was destroyed by his corrupt employees.(DJ Newswires, Nov. 20, 2000, summary by Marg Reynolds).
President Alberto Fujimori resigns in wake of scandals linked to Vladimiro Montesinos, his former aide. Legislators expect to discuss successor issues as they believe Fujimori; First Vice President, Francisco Tudela; and Second Vice President, Ricardo Cerna Egoavil all to be corrupt.(The Japan Times Online, Nov. 21, 2000, summary by Marg Reynolds).
President Alberto Fujimori falls from power as his shadowy spy-master, Vladimiro Montesinos is charged with corruption and human rights abuses. A videotape portrays Montesinos bribing an opposition congressman. (Ananova, Nov. 20, 2000, summary by Marg Reynolds).
Valentin Paniagua was sworn in as Head of Sate by Congress following ousting of Alberta Fujimori. Paniagua pledges investigation into privitization funds which have dwindled to $543 million from $9 billion during the past decade. Scandals and accusations of government corruption caused Fujimori to tender his resignation as Congress declared him ‘morally unfit’. Vladimiro Montesinos was accused of bribery, human rights abuses, money laundering, narcotics trafficking and arms dealing. (CNN News, Nov. 23, 2000, summary by Marg Reynolds).
CORRUPTION CASE AGAINST EX-SPY CHIEF DROPED. An investigation was opened in Peru after former intelligence chief, Vladimiro Montesinos, was secretly filmed while bribing a member of congress. Montesinos fled to Panama at the weekend seeking asylum. Montesinos was officially an adviser to Peruvian President Fujimori, but he was also widely considered the power behind the presidency. He was accused of corruption, wiretapping and ordering torture. Opposition politicians from Peru have traveled to Panama to challenge the asylum request. "We've come here to argue that Montesinos does not legallyqualify for political asylum," said Mercedes Cabanillas (Popular American evolutionary Alliance party). "He's not a fugitive from persecution by the Peruvian government, but rather... a protege and an accomplice of all the actions (taken) by President Alberto Fujimori," she added. The United States and OAS exercise pressure to Panama to accept Mr. Montesinos's request, saying he could spark a coup if he stayed in Peru. Surprisingly, the Attorney General, Nina Rodriguez Flores dropped the case causing the anger of opposition politicians, who demanded the state prosecutor to resign. (Source: BBC News, September 27, 2000, summary by Pavlidis George).
HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH CRITICIZES POLITICAL GAMES IN MONTECINOS CASE. Human Rights Watch urged Panamanian President Mireya Moscoso to deny political asylum to Vladimiro Montesinos, the former Peruvian head of the National Intelligence Service. Montesinos has been alleged to be responsible for planning kidnappings, tortures and murders; he also faces the charge for corruption of a public official. The organization also urged the Panamanian justice authorities to prosecute Montesinos for violations of human rights, consistent with Panama's obligations under the United Nations Convention against Torture. According to Mr. Miguel Vivanco, executive director of the organization's Americas Division: "To claim victim status for Montesinos is nothing short of a farce". According to Human Rights Watch, basic principles of asylum law expressly refuse the right of asylum to human rights violators; under the Convention against Torture, to which Panama is a signatory party, the country is required to prosecute or extradite torturers found on its territory. Human Rights Watch strongly criticized the United States government and the Organization of American States for putting pressure on Panama to receive Montesinos. "In the long run, granting a safe haven to Montesinos will only reinforce impunity for human right violations in Peru," said Mr. Vivanco. "It is unacceptable for the U.S government and the OAS to compromise basic human rights principles in this way, and it is unfair to expect Panama to be a dustbin in which to toss the continent's rejected strongmen" (Source: Human Rights Watch Press Release, September 26, 2000, summary by Pavlidis George).
NEW PRESIDENT VALENTIN PANIAGUA SWORN IN, PLEDGES HONESTY, IMPARTIALITY, WILL INVESTIGATE PRIVATIZATIONS. Moderate opposition leader Valentin Paniagua was sworn in by the Peruvian Congress as head of state, succeeding embattled President Alberto Fujimori. Fujimori was ousted earlier in the week. U.N. Secretary-General Javier Perez de Cuellar was named by Paniagua as his prime minister. The new head of state pledged to investigate why only $543 million remained from the $9 billion revenue from privatizations during the past decade. Paniagua vowed honesty and impartiality in his administration, and that he would rebuild democratic institutions broken down under Fujimori's 10-year rule. Paniagua will head a caretaker government until the new presidential elections in April. Under Peru's law, he is barred from running in those elections. (CNN News, 23 Nov 2000, summary by Debbie Uy).
CONGRESS REJECTS RESIGNATION, OUSTS FUJIMORI IN CORRUPTION SCANDAL AS ``MORALLY UNFIT``. Congress ousted President Alberto Fujimori on constitutional grounds of "moral incapacity" with a vote of 62-9 with nine abstentions. Congress President Valentin Paniagua, a political moderate, was expected to assume a caretaker presidency and guide the country to the April 8 elections. Congress did not move for the more complicated impeachment process. The vote signaled a resurgence of Peruvian democracy after years of Fujimori's all-powerful presidency. Fujimori's hold on power was weakened by a corruption scandal that involved his fugitive ex-spy chief, Vladimiro Montesinos. (Associated Press, 22 Nov 2000, summary by Debbie Uy).
PRESIDENT FUJIMORI LEAVES
COUNTRY AS PRESSURE INCREASES INCREASES, CONGRESS PRESIDENT REMOVED, NEW
VIDEO SHOWS MILITARY INVOLVEMENT IN ELECTION. President Alberto Fujimori
faced increasing pressure as Peru's opposition ousted one of his key allies,
the Congress president, and released a new video which showed his former spy
chief congratulating military leaders for their role in the elections last
May. Fujimori hastily went to Brunei to attend the summit meeting on Asia and
Pacific trade. The ouster of Martha Hildebrandt is seen as a way for the
legislature to start moves to remove Fujimori on grounds of moral unfitness.
Peru has been rocked by scandal since a television station aired two months
ago a video showing Vladimiro Montesinos, Fujimori´s top security and
intelligence aide, seemingly bribing an opposition politician. (Washington
Post (Reuters), 14 November 2000, summary by Debbie Uy). LIMA - Disgraced ex-President
Alberto Fujimori, currently in self-imposed exile in Japan after his
corruption allegations, hit out against the shadowy ex-spy chief Vladimiro
Montesinos. He accused the latter of blackmailing congressmen into doing his
bidding. Mr Fujimori went on to name his former Prime Minister Federico Salas
as a participant in a network of blackmail, stating that there is probably a
videotape of Mr Salas that he might fear. Ironically, it was also videotape
that brought Mr Fujimori down in September - a leaked video sparked
widespread outrage when it showed Mr Montesinos bribing a congressman to give
his vote to Fujimori. Mr Salas himself testified later that he had been
offered an under-the-table monthly salary of
$30 000 by the aforenamed. Mr Montesinos is currently in hiding
somewhere in Peru after returning from a failed asylum bid in Panama. He was
forced to flee after the scandal perpetuated by the leaked video. However,
according to Mr Fujimori, his influence has not waned and he still operates
an alleged criminal empire involving drug trafficking, arms deals and
influence peddling throughout Peru's government. These have seen a worrying
increase since Mr Fujimori took over as President. (Yahoo Asia Finance,
December 5, 2000, summary be Lu C.L.). Alberto Fujimori has been
charged with corruption by an investigator appointed by Mr Fujimori himself
the first criminal action taken against the former President. Jose Ugaz,
appointed by Mr Fujimori to investigate former spy chief Vladimiro
Montesinos, accused Mr Fujimori of
corruption of public officials. The latter had reportedly set up 2
front companies in Singapore and used them to launder funds to a private
swiss bank account. Unconfirmed reports further alleged that Mr Fujimori met
up with lawyers last week in Singapore to discuss the liquidation of those
companies. (Channel News Asia, November 25, 2000, summary by Lu C.L.). PRESIDENT FUJIMORI SUCCUMBS TO
CORRUPTION CRISIS, WILL RESIGN NOW! President Alberto Fujimori said in Tokyo
early this morning that he would resign within 48 hours, after losing control
of Congress last week. Fujimori's 10-year authoritarian rule has been marred
by corruption scandals in recent months. Congress has been deciding on a
motion to unseat the President due to "moral incapacity". Second
Vice President Ricardo Marquez said that he has been asked by Fujimori to act
as president until the special elections in April. Fujimori's ministers are
angry that Fujimori's announcement was "made outside the country in the
context of a grave crisis and uncertainty about his return." But Prime
Minister Federico Salas said that Fujimori "does not want to be an obstacle
to the process of democratisation so that the next elections can be elections
absolutely transparent for the Peruvian people." However, opposition
Congressman Fernando Olivera said that the resignation only confirms
Fujimori's "responsibility for 10 years of control of Peru by a
mafia," adding that the resignation will not be enough to obtain
complete impunity. (News24, 20 November 2000, summary by Debbie Uy).
LIMA- President Fujimori is returning to Peru from Brunei
in order to quash rumors that he is looking for political asylum in Malasia.
Fujimori's grip on power has been steadily eroding after a videotape was
released showing top aide Vladimiro Montesinos bribing a congressman.
(Financial Times, Summary by Fabian Camacho, November 16,2000). PERU
IN DEAL ON JUDICIAL REFORMS. Peru's government and the opposition have agreed
on crucial judicial reforms in what is seen as a significant step in talks to
restructure the country's democratic
institutions before next year's elections. Opponents of President Alberto Fujimori's
government have long complained that the current judicial system allows
ruling politicians to control the judges. The talks are viewed as the main
venue for pushing reforms in the media, courts, election bodies and armed
forces. The Organisation of American States (OAS) started the talks following
concerns over Mr. Fujimori's questionable victory in last May's election. The
president has announced he would shorten his third successive term by four
years, in the midst of a corruption scandal last month. (Financial Times 11
October 2000, summary by Debbie Uy). LIMA - President Fujimori denies possibility of army coup after announcing dismantling of the National Intelligence Service and invoking new elections for next year. The crisis was triggered by a video in which his secretive chief adviser , Vladimiro Montesinos, allegedly was seen bribing a congressman to switch parties. (El Comercio Peru, September 20, summary by Fabian Camacho).
Jorge Santistevan is the
ombudsman “magistrate of persuasion,” who gets things done and among other
things fights corruption. (WSJ, March 9, 2000, front page)
The Index of Economic Freedom (by Driscoll-Holmes-Kirkpatrick) for 2001 places Peru in the “Mostly Free” category with a rank of 40 (Ranks range from 1 for Hong Kong to 155 for North Korea, Wall Street Journal, Nov. 1, 2000). H. D. Vinod’s trimmed correlation analysis indicates that countries free from economic regulation are less corrupt. After allowing for some exceptions by 20% trimming, the correlation is near 0.9. |
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