Judge Denies Request to Bar Former President Dina Boluarte From Leaving Peru
A Peruvian judge has rejected a motion by state prosecutors seeking to prevent former President Dina Boluarte from leaving the country amid ongoing investigations into alleged corruption and abuse of office. The ruling was delivered on Wednesday, with the court concluding that Boluarte does not pose a flight risk and that the prosecution failed to present sufficient grounds to justify a travel ban.
The prosecutors had requested a 36-month restriction, arguing that Boluarte’s departure could hinder investigations into alleged money laundering, illicit enrichment, and misuse of public funds. The former president, who was removed from office last week by Congress on charges of “permanent moral incapacity,” has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. Through her legal team, Boluarte emphasized her willingness to cooperate fully with judicial authorities.
Judge Fernando Valdez, presiding over the case, stated that the decision was made based on Boluarte’s cooperation and stable residence in Peru. The court found no evidence suggesting an attempt to evade justice. Prosecutors, however, announced plans to appeal the ruling, maintaining that her influence and resources could interfere with the ongoing probe.
Boluarte’s removal followed months of public unrest and a sharp drop in her approval ratings, which had fallen to single digits amid corruption allegations and economic discontent. The former leader, who took office after the ousting of Pedro Castillo in 2022, now faces several legal challenges that could shape the next phase of Peru’s turbulent political landscape.
