Anti-Corruption March: Peruvians march after audio recordings reveal judicial 'pay to play' scandal

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In Peru -- authorities have promised far-reaching reforms. It's 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 streets 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.

"Citizen in Peru haven't had their rights respected for a very long time, and corruption in our country is endemic, and we really really need to stand up for our rights."

"We are protesting because of the problems we have in our country, because of the corrupt judges and all the corrupt authorities - we're protesting because I love my country - Peru."

DAN COLLYNS LIMA "The rhyming chants here say the Peru judiciary is a national disgrace - it's not the first time that protesters have voiced that opinion but it appears now- allegedly - the evidence to prove it."

A series of audio recordings released by the investigations website IDL Reporteros appear to show judges and prosecutors trading favors, while also trying to secure jobs for friends and help convicted criminals.

This top judge was arrested, the justice minister and head of the judiciary have been forced to resign. Also ousted, the seven-member panel which appoints and oversees judges and prosecutors. A big test for the recently appointed president Martin Vizcarra but will a purge go far enough.

MARTIN VIZCARRA PERUVIAN PRESIDENT "The recordings 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."

This month, the president created a commission to reform the judicial system. Perhaps a historic opportunity to reform a broken institution. But it won't be easy, say analysts:

IVAN LANEGRA POLITICAL ANALYST "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."

Vizcarra is the only one of the last five presidents who has not been tainted by the multi-billion dollar scandal linked to the Brazilian construction giant Odebrecht. This latest scandal has pushed Peruvians trust in their institutions and politicians to a new low. Restoring that trust looks to be a Herculean task. Dan Collyns, CGTN, Lima.