After six days of preliminary detention, the TV presenter Andres Hurtado testified for the first time before the Second Specialized Transitional Supreme Prosecutor’s Office for Crimes Committed by Public Officialswhich is investigating him for alleged bribery and influence peddling.
The session began at approximately 3:00 pm and lasted for just over two hours. According to his statement Elio Rieralawyer of Hurtadoin this first presentation, his client gave his version regarding the fact of having allegedly interceded before the superior prosecutor Elizabeth Peralta to obtain the return of a shipment of gold seized from the company Augusto Javier My Law. All this in exchange for an alleged bribe of one million dollars.
“Mr. Andrés Hurtado has denied at all times having committed any illegal act. What he has sought is to provide information in a very relevant manner so that the prosecutor can determine the initial scope of the investigation,” Riera told the press, once the proceedings were over.
The lawyer confirmed that Hurtado will not be subject to an effective collaboration process or early termination because the TV presenter considers himself innocent. “There is no need to apply any kind of reward. We have come to clarify the matter,” he said.
Detention period
This Thursday, the 26th, the deadline for preliminary detention against Andres Hurtadowho was arrested in the evening hours of Thursday 19th at the Novo Q clinic.
The provisional supreme prosecutor Alcides Chinchay You have two options: to arrange for the release of the also known as Chibolin or formalize the preliminary investigation and request preventive detention. If this last case occurs, Hurtado He would remain in custody until the supreme judge of the preliminary investigation Juan Carlos Checkley resolve the tax requirement.
However, for a pretrial detention to be ordered, three conditions must be met: serious and well-founded evidence, a possible sentence of more than 5 years, and procedural danger (obstruction or risk of flight). In this scenario, the elements that led to the preliminary detention, such as the sincere confession of the accused, would not be enough. Ivan Siucho.
The prosecutor’s office Chinchayduring the 7 days of detention, should have collected the necessary evidence to reinforce his hypothesis and, if necessary, request the preventive detention order. It is not ruled out that the request could reach the suspended senior prosecutor Elizabeth Peraltaalthough the judge Checkley refused to order an arrest warrant against him.
Peralta went to the Public Prosecutor’s Office last Tuesday to give his preliminary statement, but he remained silent. Benji Espinozathe judge’s lawyer, told The Republic that his client will not testify until the Prosecutor’s Office stops trying to arrest her. When that happens, says the lawyer, his client will cooperate because “she has nothing to hide and nothing to fear.”
The defense of Andres Hurtado It also advocates for the presenter’s freedom. Elio Riera He believes that the investigation should continue, but with his client free. “It is not necessary to restrict a person’s right to freedom in order for them to be investigated. We submit to the investigation in every sense,” he said. Riera.
The lawyer also asserted that the conditions for issuing a preventive detention measure have not been met, such as the presence of serious and well-founded evidence and the absence of ties. “I confirm that he has provided the necessary facts to maintain his innocence,” the lawyer added.
Andrés Hurtado’s preliminary statement will continue today at noon.
