MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Peru’s transitional government rules out pardons after Pedro Castillo clemency request

In a statement posted on official channels, the presidency said there was no item on its agenda to grant “any clemency, such as pardons, in favor of a person under prosecution or convicted”

Peru’s transitional government said on Friday it has no plans “pending or scheduled” to grant presidential clemency, including pardons, one day after former president Pedro Castillo filed a request seeking such relief.

In a statement posted on official channels, the presidency said there was no item on its agenda to grant “any clemency, such as pardons, in favor of a person under prosecution or convicted,” adding the clarification was intended to prevent “distorted interpretations” of the constitutional mandate assumed by interim president José Balcázar.

The executive framed its mission around three priorities: guaranteeing “national security,” delivering “free, clean and transparent elections,” and safeguarding “economic stability.” “Nothing more,” the statement stressed.

Castillo’s request and filing

The pardon petition was submitted on Thursday and delivered to the presidential office bearing Castillo’s signature, according to an EFE report. The filing was handled by Walter Ayala — the ex-president’s former defense minister and lawyer — citing “humanitarian” grounds and referring to earlier remarks attributed to Balcázar suggesting the possibility of a pardon.

Castillo, who governed in 2021–2022, remains imprisoned after receiving an 11-year, five-month sentence for rebellion following his failed bid to dissolve Congress and reshape state institutions in a televised address on Dec. 7, 2022. During proceedings, he denied wrongdoing and said he was being politically persecuted.

Political backdrop

Balcázar took office this week after Congress removed José Jerí and elected him as interim president, with a mandate running until July 28. Reuters has reported that Peru is heading toward a general election scheduled for April 12.