Former Peruvian Spymaster Again Refuses to Testify at Corruption Trial

www.voanews.com VOA News 21 Feb 2003, 05:33 UTC

Former Peruvian spymaster Vladimiro Montesinos has again refused to testify on the second day of his public trial on corruption charges.

Montesinos remained silent Thursday as he was asked several questions relating to charges he helped the brother of a former girlfriend get out of prison. The charge carries a five-year prison sentence. The ex-girlfriend (Jacqueline Beltran) faces four years behind bars if convicted.

When opening arguments began Tuesday, Montesinos refused to testify, citing his right to remain silent. Montesinos' lawyer tells the Reuters news agency his client will not respond to questions because he is not guaranteed a fair trial.

The corruption trial is one of several facing the former intelligence chief, who was once Peru's most feared man.

Prosecutors say Montesinos built a criminal empire involving generals, legislators, the news media and judges while serving as President Alberto Fujimori's most trusted aide. Montesinos' fall from power began in September 200 with a videotape showing him bribing a congressman to switch to the government party.

Montesinos fled the country in the wake of the scandal, but was captured eight months later in Venezuela and extradited to Peru. He is currently serving a nine-year sentence for abuse of authority. Mr. Fujimori fled to Japan, his ancestral homeland.