Peru is not governed by the rule of law
50 years ago in children’s church I heard Jesus’ parable of the “poor widow und the unjust judge”. I thought that story was totally out of this world and simply could not be true. Back then I did not know any unjust judges. At family meals we spoke about politics, church and geography, but never about the corrupt judiciary.
Years later in South America I experienced a corrupted legal system firsthand. No day passes in Peru in which no new happenings at corrupt courts are disclosed. Even rapists are acquitted after having bribed the judge in question. César San Martin is quoted on the newest cover page of the magazine Caretas: “We are dirty. We must change ourselves!”
If you have no Vitamin C (connections) in the Peruvian legal system, you do not stand a chance. I have experienced this tragic reality myself. In my position as director of the Hospital Diospi Suyana I intended to officially file a complaint at the public prosecutor’s office. A crime was committed and I planned to start a full scale investigation.
A good hour later the district attorney refused to accept my denouncement. Therefore, I immediately call the Ministry of Justice in Lima in order to file a complaint. The answer I received from the capital was crystal clear: “By law the district attorney must record your complaint!” was the high-ranking director’s comment. “Should she continue to refuse, we will put the case on the Minister’s desk!”
That afternoon I started my second attempt, again accompanied by three Peruvian witnesses. But once again I made absolutely no headway. The district attorney did not even consider in the slightest to fulfill her duty. Instead she mocked me to my face. Finally staring her straight in the face I slowly said: “Ms District Attorney, I have just spoken personally with the Ministry of Justice in Lima. Should you not assist me in lodging my denouncement my case will land on the Minister’s desk!” – Pause –
“Then wait outside,” was the irritated answer of the high representative of the Peruvian judiciary, “You can place your case on record later!”
After waiting 50 more minutes I could finally say what I had planned to say that morning. Weird behaviour of the district attorney. How can one explain it?
The next day brought some clarity into the situation. She is friends with the accused family and even lives in the same house!
If you live in Peru and you do not have money, influence or contacts, you hardly stand a chance to get your rights. This instance shows that Jesus’ words from back then are still 100% as relevant today. Unfortunately (Luke 18:1-8) /KDJ
