In an unprecedented judicial development, Peru’s Supreme Court has convicted two former presidents within a 48-hour period, highlighting the nation’s ongoing struggle with political corruption and constitutional crises. Left-wing leader Pedro Castillo received an 11-year prison sentence on Thursday for his 2022 attempt to dissolve Congress and establish rule by decree—a political gamble that resulted in his immediate impeachment and arrest.
The Court found Castillo guilty of ‘conspiracy to commit rebellion’ while acquitting him of two additional charges. This verdict follows Wednesday’s sentencing of centrist former president Martín Vizcarra to 14 years imprisonment for accepting over $600,000 in bribes from construction companies during his tenure as governor of Moquegua region (2011-2014). Vizcarra, who had built his political reputation on anti-corruption platforms, continues to maintain his innocence.
Castillo’s conviction sparked demonstrations outside the detention facility where supporters gathered awaiting the verdict. Julia Buendia, one such supporter, expressed continued belief in Castillo’s innocence to AFP reporters. The former rural schoolteacher and trade unionist—often described as Peru’s first poor president—had risen to power in 2021 on widespread disillusionment with traditional politics. His 2022 arrest previously triggered deadly protests among his working-class base that left at least 50 dead after brutal security force interventions.
These cases represent the latest in a series of presidential prosecutions that have rocked Peruvian politics. Former president Ollanta Humala (2011-2016) received a 15-year sentence earlier this year for money laundering, while Alejandro Toledo (2001-2006) was sentenced last year to over 20 years for accepting $35 million in bribes.
The sentences occur against a backdrop of persistent political instability. Recent months have seen violent clashes in Lima between anti-government protesters and riot police, resulting in one death and over 100 injuries. Current interim President José Jerí assumed office following the impeachment of predecessor Dina Boluarte, who was removed by lawmakers citing ‘permanent moral incapacity’ amid soaring crime rates and corruption investigations including the ‘Rolexgate’ scandal involving alleged bribery through luxury watches.