Wanted Peruvian ex-official has gone on run, Bolivia says
Wanted Peruvian ex-official has gone on run, Bolivia says
Source: Reuters - Sun, 24 May 2015 19:31 GMT
* Martin Belaunde, ex-advisor to Peruvian president, disappears
* Was under house arrest in Bolivia, awaiting extradition
* Peru wants to question him over corruption charges
* Interpol informed, lawyer and family concerned for his safety (Adds comments from minister, lawyer, family member)
By Daniel Ramos
LA PAZ, May 24 (Reuters) - A former advisor to the Peruvian president who was awaiting extradition to Peru to face corruption charges has fled from house arrest in Bolivian capital La Paz, the Bolivian government said on Sunday.
Martin Belaunde, President Ollanta Humala's campaign adviser during his failed 2006 presidential bid, left Peru for Bolivia last year following allegations of graft and unlawful association.
Peruvian prosecutors allege that Belaunde belongs to a vast criminal network with links to public officials. The case has dented the popularity of Humala, who has repeatedly denied any knowledge of the alleged criminal activities.
Belaunde has denied the accusations and said he is a victim of political persecution. Earlier this month, he told Reuters that he feared for his life if he were returned to Lima.
More:
http://www.trust.org/item/20150524193234-sfzbr/
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