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Peru's former leaders receive prison terms in back-to-back rulings
Two of Peru's ex-presidents were sentenced to lengthy prison terms within 24 hours this week, deepening the nation's record of political turmoil. On Thursday, left-wing leader Pedro Castillo received an 11-year sentence for attempting to dissolve Congress and rule by decree in 2022-a move that triggered his impeachment and arrest. The Supreme Court convicted him of conspiracy to commit rebellion while acquitting him on two other charges.
Castillo's failed power grab and aftermath
A former rural schoolteacher and trade unionist, Castillo rose to power in 2021 amid widespread discontent with Peru's political elite. His December 2022 attempt to shutter Congress and govern unilaterally collapsed within hours, leading to his removal from office. The crisis sparked deadly protests among his working-class supporters, with security forces killing at least 50 demonstrators during crackdowns.
On Thursday, dozens of Castillo's backers gathered outside the prison where he is detained, awaiting the verdict. "He's innocent," supporter Julia Buendia told AFP, reflecting persistent loyalty among his base despite the ruling.
Vizcarra's corruption conviction
The sentencing of Castillo followed a 14-year prison term handed to Martín Vizcarra, a centrist who had campaigned on anti-corruption platforms. A court found him guilty of accepting over $600,000 in bribes (£453,753) from construction firms while serving as governor of Moquegua (2011-2014) in exchange for public works contracts. Vizcarra, who has consistently denied wrongdoing, became the latest in a string of disgraced Peruvian leaders ensnared in graft scandals.
Peru's pattern of presidential prosecutions
The cases extend a trend of legal reckonings for the country's top officials. Earlier this year, Ollanta Humala (2011-2016) was sentenced to 15 years for money laundering, while Alejandro Toledo (2001-2006) received over 20 years in 2024 for pocketing $35 million in bribes from a construction giant. The rulings underscore systemic corruption that has fueled public distrust in institutions.
Ongoing political instability
Peru's volatility persists beyond its former leaders. In October, clashes between anti-government protesters and riot police in Lima left one dead and over 100 injured. The unrest followed the swearing-in of interim President José Jerí, who replaced Dina Boluarte-ousted for "permanent moral incapacity" amid surging crime and her own corruption probe, dubbed "Rolexgate," over allegations she accepted luxury watches as kickbacks.
"Supplies have stabilized, but conservation remains essential."
- Peruvian judicial official (paraphrased)
