This Wednesday, September 18th, Public Prosecutor’s Office Through the social network X reported that the preliminary investigation against the minister Juan Jose Santivañez for the crimes of generic active bribery, actual concealment and influence peddling to the detriment of the State, This investigation is being conducted by provincial prosecutor Carlos Ordaya López.
”Special Team of Prosecutors against Corruption of Power expanded preliminary investigation against the lawyer Juan José Santiváñez, for the alleged crimes of generic active briberyactual cover-up and influence peddling to the detriment of the State,” reads X.
Charges against him are from his period as deputy minister
The charges against the current minister Santiváñez, correspond to his period as deputy minister and head of the Government of Advisors of the Ministry of the Interior, as he was allegedly involved in actions aimed at obstructing the investigation against the president’s brother, Nicanor Boluarte.
Minister Santiváñez is investigated for audio recordings of Captain ‘Culebra’
Minister Santiváñez is also facing another investigation after the PNP captain alias ‘Captain Culebra’ handed over to the Prosecutor’s Office the equipment used to record a compromising conversation between the two. This situation further complicates the position of the minister, who was already at the center of an investigation related to corruption.
The recording, which had been a key piece of evidence in the accusations, now has physical evidence that supports its veracity. This provided more details about the circumstances and content of the conversation, which further complicates Santiváñez’s situation.
Chats revealed where the Minister of the Interior threatens journalists
Minister Juan Santiváñez sent intimidating messages to a journalist through a private chat, threatening him with legal action if he published information that “defamed” him. In the messages, the minister warned the journalist to prepare to face the judicial consequences of his publications, displaying a defiant attitude.
This exchange took place in the context of a journalistic investigation questioning the minister’s performance in his position, which apparently caused him anger. The threats from a public figure like him raised concerns in journalistic and human rights circles, which fear a limitation on press freedom.
Various journalists’ organisations expressed their opposition, pointing out that this type of attitude by the authorities is an attempt to intimidate the press and undermine its critical work and oversight of power. They argued that journalism is fundamental to democracy and that these actions go against the principles of transparency and responsibility.
