Peru: a judge sentenced the sister-in-law of President Pedro Castillo to 2.5 years in prison

a Peruvian judge imposed on Sunday two and a half years of preventive detention on Yenifer Paredessister-in-law of President Pedro Castillo, while she is under investigation for her alleged participation in a criminal organization for money laundering, to which the president and the first lady also belong.

It is the first time in Peruvian history for such a close relative of an incumbent president to be sent to prison. Although she is the president’s sister-in-law, Paredes, 26, she was raised from a young age as a daughter of the presidential couple following the death of her mother.

After postponing his decision twice, Judge Johnny Gómez, of the Third Preparatory Investigative Court, said there was “a high probability of flight hazard”therefore no other measures could be ordered other than pre-trial detention.

Paredes will remain in prison until February 9, 2025said the judge. The defendant’s defense appealed the decision. The prosecution asked for three years of preventive prison.

in prison

The suspect has been detained since August 10, the day after police unsuccessfully searched her in the presidential palace, where they also searched her under the president’s bed, according to a search warrant to which the Associated Press had access. .

The president did not speak. But on August 10, when Paredes surrendered himself to justice, he said that “they will take everything to keep beating my family, my parents, my brothers, it’s part of the struggle, but they won’t break me. The case of my daughter Yenifer is part of political life in Peru and I know that together with you we will go forward to create a more just country ”.

The prosecution accuses Castillo, many of his relatives, the current Minister of Transport, Geiner Alvarado, and José Medina, mayor of the city where the president lived, become part of a criminal group. Medina also received 2.5 years of pre-trial detention.

According to the indictment, the coordinator of the alleged crime network would be the first lady, Lilia Paredes, and the figureheads of Castillo’s three brothers-in-law, including Yenifer Paredes. Meanwhile, the front companies would be owned by close associates of the presidential family.

The prosecution alleges that Yenifer Paredes helped the owner of one of these companies to secure public works contracts despite not having the financial capacity or experience to guarantee the execution of the works.

President

Castillo adds six preliminary tax investigations, the majority for the crime of criminal organization and corruption, but he denies all charges.

Even the accusation he demanded that the first lady be prohibited from leaving the countrywhich a judge will decide on September 5.

The president cannot be accused before a judge because the Peruvian Constitution contemplates this possibility only in the event of betrayal of the country, dissolution of parliament for cases other than those permitted or failure to call for elections. If arguments pile up, the attorney general must wait for Castillo to complete his term before Congress allows him to be tried.

His relationship with Parliament is strained. The 130-seat Congress tried twice to impeach him, but he did not get the necessary 87 votes.

In contrast to the tax investigation that exploded two months ago, the president’s popularity is on the rise. This was shown by a national survey by the Institute of Peruvian Studies published on Sunday their acceptance rose to 29%, while his disapproval dropped to 63%. 8% had no opinions. In June, its approval was 19%.

The end of Castillo’s government is scheduled for July 28, 2026.