Peru’s Constitutional Court Freezes Probes Into President Dina Boluarte Until 2026

The Constitutional Court of Peru has suspended ongoing investigations into President Dina Boluarte until the end of her mandate in 2026, citing her status as the sitting head of state.

One of the halted probes was tied to Boluarte’s handling of the December 2022 protests following the removal and arrest of then-president Pedro Castillo, who had attempted to dissolve Congress in what critics called an attempted coup.

Boluarte, who assumed office after Castillo’s impeachment, declared a state of emergency as protests spread nationwide. Clashes between security forces and demonstrators left more than 60 people dead and hundreds injured.

The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights later reported that the state’s response involved “disproportionate, indiscriminate, and lethal use of force”, noting that many victims were not actively participating in protests.

Attorney General Patricia Benavides launched a probe into Boluarte and her ministers in early 2023, accusing her of responsibility for protester deaths. A constitutional complaint was filed later that year, though parts of the investigation, including claims of “genocide,” were set aside.

Boluarte has denied any wrongdoing, arguing that the case is politically motivated.

The president has also faced separate investigations, including the so-called “Rolex case.” In 2024, police raided her residence and the presidential palace after reports emerged that she owned several luxury watches and jewelry allegedly beyond her declared income. Boluarte said her “hands are clean”, and Congress rejected impeachment motions linked to the case.

Another inquiry examined her absence from office in 2023, when she reportedly underwent a nasal procedure. Critics claimed it was cosmetic surgery, carried out without notifying Congress, amounting to dereliction of duty. Boluarte dismissed those allegations as well.

Peru has experienced years of political turbulence, with six presidents in seven years, and nearly all recent leaders facing investigations or convictions.

Boluarte, under pressure to resign since taking office in December 2022, petitioned the court to suspend probes until her term ends. She has pledged to step down on July 28, 2026, after overseeing new general elections scheduled for March that year.