Peru releases ex-president from prison after conviction overturned

Former Peruvian President Ollanta Humala was released from prison Friday evening following a decision by the country's constitutional court to overturn his 15-year sentence for money laundering. Humala had been serving his sentence at a special facility housing several of Peru's incarcerated former leaders.

Last year, Humala was convicted of receiving illegal campaign contributions from the Brazilian construction giant Odebrecht, now known as Novonor, during his 2011 election campaign. The conviction led to his imprisonment.

However, the Peruvian constitutional court's decision, made public Friday and dated July 15, declared the entire criminal process against Ollanta Moisés Humala Tasso invalid. The court ordered his immediate release from prison.

Humala, a former army officer, served as Peru's president from 2011 to 2016. His release marks a significant turn in a high-profile legal case involving alleged corruption and campaign finance violations.