Presidents of Peru who were removed by Congress 0:53
(CNN Spanish) -
The Peruvian Congress approved a reform to the Constitution that eliminates parliamentary immunity, which protected legislators from being prosecuted by the common justice for the duration of their legislative mandate.
Until now, to be prosecuted by justice a congressman had to first be outraged by the parliament itself.
The reform was approved in a second ballot with the support of 103 votes, while 14 legislators opposed and one abstained.
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The elimination of parliamentary immunity establishes that from now on, the processes for common crimes against the congressmen in office will be the responsibility of the Supreme Court of Justice and will not require the approval of the Congress to be tried and sentenced.
According to the Peruvian constitution, any constitutional reform must be approved by a first vote of the parliament followed by a referendum, or failing that, by two approving votes of the full congress in two successive ordinary legislatures.
In the first vote, the elimination of parliamentary immunity received 103 votes in favor, 14 against and 3 abstentions.
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