In a significant development for Peru's political landscape, two former presidents of the South American nation have been sentenced to prison in just two days. Pedro Castillo, the leftist leader who attempted to dissolve Congress in 2022, has been given an 11-year prison sentence for his actions. On the previous day, Martín Vizcarra was sentenced to 14 years in prison for bribe-taking from construction firms during his time as a regional governor.
Castillo was found guilty of conspiracy to commit rebellion by the Supreme Court after his failed attempt to rule by decree, which ultimately led to his impeachment and arrest. His conviction comes against a backdrop of severe public unrest; his presidency was characterized by mass protests that erupted following his ousting.
Castillo's sentence came shortly after Vizcarra's conviction, in which he received bribes exceeding $600,000 while serving in office from 2011 to 2014 and has always claimed his innocence. These two sentences add to a disturbing trend in Peru, where past leaders, including Ollanta Humala and Alejandro Toledo, have also been found guilty of corruption-related charges.
As Castillo’s supporters rallied outside the prison following his sentencing, many continued to voice their belief in his innocence amid the political crises that have plagued Peru in recent years. Current political turmoil hints at ongoing instability, especially as protests against actions by the government continue to reverberate across the nation.
