The aim is to restore the protection of legislators. A constitutional reform bill to restore parliamentary immunity, in which congressmen may only be investigated, prosecuted and detained with the authorization of Congress or the Permanent Commission, up to one year after the end of their term, was presented by the Peru Libre bench.
WATCH: Interior Minister refuses to allow ‘Culebra’ to attend the Oversight Committee
According to the proposal, legislators, once the bill is approved, may only be investigated, prosecuted and detained in cases of flagrant crime, in which case they must be brought before Congress or the Permanent Commission within 24 hours, so that they can authorize or not the deprivation of liberty and prosecution.
“The purpose of immunity is to protect legislative work and not be a target for any type of threats or coercion from the Judiciary, the Public Prosecutor’s Office or the National Police, since they hold the position of congressman and as such enjoy legitimacy,” the legislative initiative states.
The draft constitutional reform, which modifies Article 93 of the Constitution, states that it seeks to strengthen the legislative function in Congress, as part of the institutionality of democracy in the country.
LOOK: Escape from Cerrón: Santiváñez does not convince, and ‘Culebra’ bites him
“Through parliamentary immunity,” the proposal adds, “legislators will be able to exercise their functions without fear or limitation, and in this way they will be able to defend the interests of the nation and society.”
RECOMMENDED VIDEO
