Peru has seen a dramatic week in its political history as two former presidents were sentenced to lengthy prison terms on consecutive days, highlighting the ongoing turmoil in the South American nation.
Pedro Castillo, who served as president from 2021 until his impeachment in 2022, received an 11-year jail term on Thursday for attempting to dissolve Congress and govern by decree.
The Supreme Court found him guilty of “conspiracy to commit rebellion,” though he was acquitted of two additional charges.
Castillo, a former rural schoolteacher and trade unionist, rose to power as Peru’s first poor president, riding a wave of frustration with the political establishment.
His abrupt removal from office sparked widespread protests among his rural, working-class supporters, which were met with violent crackdowns by security forces, leaving at least 50 dead.
On the day of his sentencing, dozens of supporters gathered outside the prison where he is held, holding vigil and expressing continued belief in his innocence.
Julia Buendia, one of the supporters, told AFP, “I still believe Castillo is innocent.”
The verdict came just a day after Martín Vizcarra, another ex-president, was sentenced to 14 years in prison. Vizcarra, who led the country from 2018 to 2020 and had been known for championing anti-corruption measures, was convicted of taking bribes while serving as governor of the Moquegua region between 2011 and 2014.
Prosecutors said he received over $600,000 from construction companies seeking public contracts, though Vizcarra has consistently denied wrongdoing.
These sentences are part of a troubling trend in Peru, where several former leaders have faced jail time for corruption or misconduct.
Earlier this year, Ollanta Humala, president from 2011 to 2016, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for money laundering.
Alejandro Toledo, who governed from 2001 to 2006, received over 20 years in prison for accepting $35 million in bribes.
Peru’s political scene has been unstable in recent years.
In October, clashes between anti-government protesters and riot police in Lima left one person dead and over 100 injured.
The unrest followed the interim swearing-in of President José Jerí after lawmakers removed Dina Boluarte on grounds of “permanent moral incapacity.”
Boluarte’s tenure had been marred by corruption probes, including an investigation called “Rolexgate” over alleged acceptance of luxury watches as bribes, as well as escalating crime and public dissatisfaction.
The convictions of Castillo and Vizcarra underscore Peru’s ongoing struggle with political instability and public distrust in leadership, as the nation continues to grapple with the legacy of corruption and contested governance.
