Peru Party Delays Action on Deputy Accused of Domestic Violence

The political party Juntos por el Perú has yet to impose sanctions on Deputy Julián Pérez Mallqui, who faces accusations of physical and psychological violence against his ex-partner. Despite the victim's testimony, chat logs, and a medical certificate, the party's disciplinary commission has not yet acted. On August 2, four days after the alleged assault, the party's congressional spokesperson, Ernesto Zunini, requested an immediate disciplinary procedure and temporary suspension for Pérez Mallqui. Zunini stated that the party must maintain a firm stance against all forms of violence and that institutional measures would be taken as investigations progress. He justified the delay by citing the late arrival of two police reports detailing incidents of psychological violence at the victim's home and physical violence at a police station. The party's leadership held a meeting on August 3, where Zunini's letter to the ethics commission was discussed, but no further immediate decisions were announced. The case has been left to the party's Ethics and Discipline Commission. Meanwhile, within Congress, the Parliamentary Ethics Commission is expected to consider the matter, with potential sanctions including a 120-day suspension for the legislator. Other parties, like Fuerza Popular and Renovación Popular, have condemned the alleged violence and called for strict legal action. The internal disciplinary process within Juntos por el Perú, according to its statutes, could extend until the end of September, involving pre-qualification reports, disciplinary proceedings, hearings, and potential appeals. Sanctions range from written reprimands to expulsion. Notably, Pérez Mallqui is listed as a guest, not an affiliated member, of the party, though legal experts suggest this distinction may not alter the consequences of a party-led disciplinary action, as he entered Congress representing the party.