Peru’s Supreme Court of Preliminary Investigation granted a late approval to open a formal inquiry into the actions of former president Pedro Castillo, moving forward with charges tied to the alleged crime of rebellion. The decision was announced by Judge Juan Carlos Checkley and is based on testimonies reported by El Comercio, which confirm that the investigation now targets both the former president and former Prime Minister Aníbal Torres. The step marks a shift of jurisdiction to the Office of the Prosecutor, which had previously overseen the case in a different capacity while the inquiry was in its early stages. This formalization signals a critical milestone in Peru’s legal process as authorities pursue accountability for high-ranking officials involved.
With the case now official, the Public Prosecutor’s Office may request precautionary detention for Castillo. His preliminary detention is due to expire on Wednesday, December 14, at which point a decision on continued confinement or release would be considered by the relevant legal authorities. The move is part of the ongoing judicial review of actions surrounding the dissolution of Congress and the emergency governance decree that followed.
State Attorney General Patricia Benavides has charged the former president with rioting, conspiracy, abuse of power, and attempts to disturb public order. Torres is identified as a co-author in the alleged riot and in conspiratorial acts linked to the crisis. The legal actions unfold amid a volatile political moment in Peru, as branches of government reassess the legality and consequences of executive decisions made during that period.
Pedro Castillo remains in custody after announcing on December 7 that Congress would be dissolved and that a state of emergency would be proclaimed. The decree received little to no support within the legislature, prompting a swift motion of no confidence and resulting in the president’s arrest by the national police. Journalistic coverage has traced the sequence of events and the evolving charges, noting that the case has broad implications for governance and the rule of law in the country. The latest formalization reflects the seriousness with which Peruvian authorities are treating accusations against the highest levels of government.