UN opinion 'modifies legal scenario' for pardon of Peru's ex-President Castillo

The opinion of a United Nations working group has significantly altered the legal landscape for a potential pardon of former Peruvian President Pedro Castillo, according to interim President José María Balcázar. The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention declared Castillo's arrest "arbitrary" and recommended his immediate release, along with reparations.

Balcázar stated that the UN document "modifies the legal, legal, and constitutional scenario of how and in what way a pardon can be granted to a detained person." He added that this development could strengthen any new pardon request submitted by Castillo's legal team. The president emphasized that such a request would need to be thoroughly analyzed by the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights in light of the UN's findings.

Castillo has been imprisoned since December 7, 2022, following a failed attempt to dissolve Congress and intervene in the judiciary. His defense has submitted multiple pardon requests, all of which have been rejected as his legal processes are still ongoing. The current situation involves a presidential grace request being reviewed, which could apply to individuals with non-final sentences. Balcázar, who is set to transfer power on July 28, indicated that any decision would be contingent on Castillo formally submitting a new petition incorporating the UN's pronouncement.

“

Ese documento viene a modificar un poco el escenario jurídico, legal y constitucional de la forma y modo de cómo se le puede dar indulto a una persona detenida.