The defense attorney for Peruvian President Pedro Castillo stated this Saturday that the president will give statements to the Prosecutor’s Office during the next two weeks, for two of the judicial investigations that follow.
"A first statement is scheduled for August 4 and a second in the cover-up case for August 9"Benji Espinoza, Castillo’s legal representative, told the local press.
the first citation is related to alleged influence peddling in military promotions.
The second is for his alleged cover-up and obstruction of justice by dismissing Interior Minister Mariano González, who had formed a special team to capture several former collaborators of the president – including his nephew – allegedly involved in corruption cases.
The president and his lawyer have repeatedly argued that there is no evidence of any of these crimes.
Espinoza insisted this Saturday that "The President of the Republic cannot be investigated for the duration of his term, except in the case of treason against the Homeland, which are not cases that the Public Ministry is handling.".
In total, the Prosecutor’s Office has 5 open investigations against Castillo; the other three are for alleged corruption and aggravated collusion in a public works project, for plagiarism in his university thesisand influence peddling in a state fuel procurement contract.
The current Prosecutor of the Nation, Patricia Benavides, decided a few weeks ago to reactivate the files and investigate the alleged crimes.
Just a few days ago the former secretary of the presidency Bruno Pacheco, one of the most wanted men for one of the cases of alleged corruption that splashes the president, he surrendered to justice after remaining a fugitive for more than 100 days.
Pacheco remains in police custody after negotiating his surrender with special prosecutors.
Castillo celebrated a year in power this week, and in addition to the judicial siege has faced two impeachment attempts from Congressand has a disapproval of 74% in public opinion, according to surveys.
