Peruvian President Pedro Castillo appeared at the Public Ministry this Thursday (4) to defend himself in a suspected corruption case, but he refused to answer questions and chose to exercise his right to remain silent.

“I told the prosecutor I was not part of any criminal organization and I would prove my innocence,” Castillo told reporters after the hour-long hearing.

After returning to the executive headquarters, he said, “I have not robbed anyone, I have not killed anyone, people have put me here and I will always represent them.”

Castillo faces five record-breaking tax investigations for alleged corruption, unprecedented for an incumbent president in Peru.

His lawyer, Benji Espinoza, said the president made a general statement to Chief Public Prosecutor Patricia Benavides, then informed him that he would not respond to questioning.

“At this time, you will exercise your constitutional right to remain silent,” the lawyer said. The legal strategy is to attend upcoming hearings, but not answer questions, he added.

Castillo surprised him by appearing for questioning, as his defense announced the day before that the president would not participate, questioning the impartiality of the prosecution.

This Thursday’s hearing refers to allegations of irregularities in promotions in the Armed Forces, which are investigating career advancement payments.

The Ministry of Interior launched an investigation against the left-wing president, who has been in office for 12 months, alleging influence trading, a criminal organization and qualified collusion in cases involving political and family circles.

At another hearing on June 27, Castillo spoke for four hours. The strategy changed a week after Bruno Pacheco, the former Presidential Secretary of the Presidency, one of the country’s most wanted men, brought him to justice.

Pacheco came forward after being on the run for more than 100 days, and his initial statements indicted the Peruvian president, according to local media.

Peruvian law does not allow a president to be tried while in power, but there is no obstacle to an investigation against him. Castillo, a 52-year-old former rural teacher, expires in July 2026.