Peruvian Prosecutor Seeks Maximum Sentence for Keiko Fujimori
The Peruvian Prosecutor's Office has requested a sentence of 30 years and 10 months in prison for former right-wing presidential candidate Keiko Fujimori. The daughter of former President Alberto Fujimori faces charges of money laundering, organized crime, obstruction of justice, and false declaration in an administrative procedure. The charges stem from allegations that she financed her election campaigns in 2011 and 2016 with undeclared money received from the Brazilian construction company Odebrecht.
Details of the Indictment and Trial
Prosecutor José Domingo Pérez outlined the accusations, stating that Keiko Fujimori received $1.2 million from Odebrecht as part of a broader corruption scheme that spanned Latin America. The prosecutor also requested that Fujimori be disqualified from holding public office for 15 years, which would prevent her from running in the 2026 presidential elections. Fujimori, who has run for president three times without success, has always proclaimed her innocence.
The trial involves more than 40 co-defendants and is expected to feature testimony from 1,500 witnesses, potentially extending the proceedings for over a year. Fujimori was previously held in preventive detention for a total of 16 months. The trial also highlights the broader impact of the Odebrecht scandal in Peru, which has implicated four former presidents.
The hearing was suspended by Judge Juana Caballero after three and a half hours and will resume on Wednesday. Outside the court, supporters and opponents of Fujimori gathered peacefully, reflecting the divisive nature of the case. Fujimori's ex-husband, Mark Vito Villanella, is also implicated and faces a potential 20-year prison sentence.
