Peru: Is Garcia on The Ropes?

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"I have a clear conscience." So said the former President of Peru, Alan Garcia Perez, now a Senator for Life, before the Chamber of Deputies mustered a narrow majority last week to begin proceedings to lift his congressional immunity from prosecution on charges that he embezzled $500,000 from public coffers and evaded taxes.

Doubt was first cast on Garcia last April when House Deputy Fernando Olivera charged that Garcia had stolen $50 million from the treasury while serving as President. Olivera maintained that Garcia channeled the funds through the Bank of Credit and Commerce International. Olivera's charges have yet to be substantiated, but the ensuing publicity made Garcia one of the most prominent politicians to be touched by the B.C.C.I. scandal.

It is not at all certain, however, that he will be found guilty of embezzlement. Before there is a trial, the House vote on immunity must first be repeated in the Senate. If formal charges are then brought, Garcia's case will be tried in the Supreme Court -- which is packed with his own appointees.