Transparency International honours an anti-corruption hero who took on president

Guatemala, 13 November 2006 – An outstanding prosecutor who fought the embedded corruption ruling Peru during the terms of ex-president Alberto Fujimori, is the winner of the 2006 Transparency International (TI) Integrity Awards, TI announced today. TI is the global anti-corruption organisation with approximately 100 national chapters worldwide.

This year’s winner, Dr. Ana Cecilia Magallanes Cortéz, is one of the most respected prosecutors in Peru and the leading force in the prosecution of approximately 1,500 members of the criminal network headed by Vladimiro Montesinos. Dr Magallanes’s efforts led to the arrest of among others, the former President of the Republic -Alberto Fujimori- generals, Supreme Court justices, judges and media magnates and helped initiate the recovery of US $250 million.

“Fighting corruption sometimes means challenging enormous powers and Dr. Magallanes has risen above that challenge to show us that corruption can be beat. Her fearless dedication is an inspiration to those fighting corruption all over the world,” said Sion Assidon, Chair of the TI Integrity Awards Committee.

Proetica, TI’s chapter in Peru which nominated the winner, stated that Dr. Magallanes’s investigations brought her up against a government that used forced disappearances and murder to quell dissidents. Proetica is proud of this recognition of her work, done at the risk of her life and considers Dr. Magallanes an example of integrity, courage and professionalism who serves as an inspiration for millions of Peruvians.

Now in its fifth year, the Integrity Awards have honoured anti-corruption fighters from Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East. Past winners include journalists, public prosecutors, accountants, government officials and members of the military along with leaders of civil society.

The TI Integrity Awards Committee consists of 13 individuals from across the world that have been active in the anti-corruption movement for many years. They serve as the jury for the awards and confer with the TI Board of Directors. Nominations are accepted for individuals and organisations and are subject to independent vetting under the guidance of the Integrity Awards Committee.

The 2006 Integrity Awards winner will be honoured before an expected audience of over 1,000 anti-corruption practitioners, politicians and leaders from around the world, at the International Anti-Corruption Conference (IACC) in Guatemala on 15 November 2006.