Peruvians take to streets after audio of judges “pay to play” scheme

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Peruvians take to streets after audio of judges 'pay to play' scheme

In Peru, authorities have promised far-reaching reforms in response to revealing audio recordings. They showed at least five judges allegedly granted favorable rulings in exchange for financial incentives. CGTN’s Dan Collyns reports from Lima.

Another month, another march against corruption

Once again, Peruvians take to the street to voice their disgust at graft at the highest level.

This time the rot goes to the heart of the very institutions that administer justice. A series of audio recording released by the investigations website IDL Reporteros appear to show judges and prosecutors trading favors while also trying to secure for friends and help convicted criminals.

A top judge was arrested, the justice minister and head of the judiciary have been forced to resign. A big test for the recently appointed president Martin Vizcarra but will a purge go far enough

“The audios have shown us there are bad judges and prosecutors who should be sacked, there are bad authorities who should be sacked, but you take a bad one out and his replacement is as bad or worse..that won’t solve the problem,” said Martin Vizcarra the President of Peru.

This month, the president created a commission to reform the judicial system. A historic opportunity to reform the system but it won’t be easy, say analysts.

“When the corruption reaches this level, the protection of the corrupt is also at its highest level. That means investigations and complaints get blocked and the work of the investigators is made very difficult,” said Ivan Lanegra a political analyst.

Vizcarra is the only one of the last five presidents who has not been tainted by the multi-billion dollar scandal linked to Brazilian builder Odebrecht.

This latest scandal has pushed Peruvians trust in their institutions and politicians to a new low.