Peru: Vladimir Cerrón faces new arrest warrant despite lifted preventive detention

Peru's Judiciary has overturned the preventive detention order against Vladimir Cerrón, founder of the Perú Libre party, in the case of alleged "illicit contributions to Perú Libre." This decision follows a ruling by the Constitutional Court (TC) that granted Cerrón's habeas corpus request. Consequently, Cerrón will now face the proceedings with restrictive measures, including a ban on leaving the country for nearly two years and a required bail of S/30,000. He must also report to the fiscal's office every 30 days and appear before the court whenever summoned. Despite this development, Cerrón remains subject to a separate arrest warrant issued by a court in Junín. This warrant stems from an ongoing oral trial concerning the "Chupuro-Huasicancha Road Project," where he is accused of aggravated collusion along with 21 other individuals. The arrest order was issued after Cerrón was declared a fugitive for failing to appear at the trial, which began in 2024. Prosecutors are seeking a nine-year prison sentence and disqualification from public office for this case. The Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office is also demanding S/3,680,241 in civil damages. The charges involve alleged corruption in the bidding process for the road project, which reportedly saw an S/11 million disbursement despite lacking approval from the Ministry of Economy. Cerrón's lawyer stated that his client can now present himself for the "Chupuro-Huasicancha" trial, and the arrest warrant should be lifted upon his appearance. The next hearing for this trial is scheduled for August 5th and will be conducted virtually.