A Peruvian court on Wednesday sentenced former President Martin Vizcarra to 14 years in prison over accepting bribes while serving as a regional governor.
Vizcarra, who denies the charges against him, is the latest Peruvian president to be sent to prison. Former presidents Pedro Castillo (2021-2022), Ollanta Humala (2011-2016), and Alejandro Toledo (2001-2006) are all currently behind bars at a special penitentiary for former leaders in Lima.
The 62-year-old was found guilty of receiving bribes from construction firms during his tenure as governor of the southern Moquegua region between 2011 and 2014.
Prosecutors said he was given around $640,000 (€552,000) in exchange for favoring companies who were vying for public works contracts.
During his time as president between 2018 and 2020, Vizcarra had championed the fight against corruption.
Vizcarra decries ‘retribution’
Vizcarra claimed his sentence was retribution for “standing up” to the right-wing political groups that control Congress, among which the influence of the late former President Alberto Fujimori is prominent.
Vizcarra clashed with these groups when he led the South American country, eventually dissolving Congress.
“This is not justice, it is revenge,” Vizcarra said on social media. “But they will not break me.”
On Wednesday, Vizcarra was sentenced to immediate imprisonment and a nine-year ban from public office. He is expected to appeal the ruling.
Edited by: Jenipher Camino Gonzalez
