In addition to holding the unfortunate world record for imprisoned former leaders, with three at a time, Peru also witnesses the political and media attention of these figures, who frequently occupy large spaces in the press.

Lima.- The news coverage focuses primarily on former presidents Ollanta Humala (who governed from 2011 to 2016), Pedro Castillo (2021-2022), and Alejandro Toledo (2001-2006).

This news coverage could increase if former President Martín Vizcarra (2018-2020) is sentenced to prison, and it could be even greater if former President Alan García (2006-2011) had not committed suicide to avoid arrest and trial.

Another former president, Alberto Fujimori, was released from prison under a controversial pardon and died months later.

The nationalist Humala received news that eased the loneliness of his imprisonment, having been sentenced to 15 years in prison for alleged money laundering.

However, the news does not mean he will be released, although it does encourage the efforts of his lawyer, Wilfredo Pedraza, to secure the former president’s freedom.

A constitutional court ruled that his imprisonment was erroneous (illegal, according to Pedraza), since the law dictates that a prisoner only begins his sentence when he has been fully read his sentence, so that he has all the elements of the judge’s decision and can appeal or give his consent. (PL)