Fui secuestrado por el Poder Judicial”: Expresidente de Perú Humala sale libre tras condena anulada

Legal Context and Judicial Ruling

The annulment centered on the TC’s determination that the charges against Humala and his wife, Nadine Heredia, lacked sustenanceunder Peruvian law. The ruling also invalidated the fiscal investigation intomoney laundering, which had been a cornerstone of the case.

Humala’s legal team had argued that the prosecution relied on outdated interpretations of campaign finance laws. The TC’s decision echoed a 2018 ruling that revoked his initial 15-year sentence, which had been imposed by the Third Penal College. This latest annulment now clears the way for the dismissal of all related charges, including those involving the Odebrecht scandal, which implicated multiple Peruvian leaders, including former president Alan García, who died by suicide in 2019 amid investigations.

Humala’s Response and Political Implications

Upon his release, Humala denounced what he called a political and judicial persecution, stating, I was seized by the Power Judicial, by the State, and the actors of the justice system. His remarks, reported by Biobiochile, framed the case as a broader attack on his administration’s policies and ideology. He accused the Grupo Colinaof the Public Ministry—referring to the Lava Jato special unit—assicarios(hitmen) who sought todestroy us at all costs. Humala also called for an apology from the state to his family and the Nationalist Party, which he led.

President Keiko Fujimori, whose own legal challenges were similarly addressed by the TC, praised the ruling as evidence of the rule of law.

Broader Impact on Peruvian Politics

The TC’s ruling could extend to co-defendants, including Humala’s wife, Nadine Heredia, who remains in Brazil under asylum. The effects of this ruling could reach other cases, such as those involving former president Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, who is still under investigation, said a source cited in CNN Chile.

Odebrecht, which admitted to bribing officials across Latin America, has been linked to multiple scandals. The company’s 2016 admission of tens of millions of dollars in illicit payments to Peruvian officials, including those under Humala, remains a point of contention. While the TC’s ruling clears Humala of specific charges, it does not exonerate him entirely, leaving room for future legal challenges.

Biobiochile reported Humala’s release and his statements about judicial persecution. CNN Chile detailed the legal arguments and broader political context. Teletrece covered the Odebrecht connection and ongoing investigations.