A Peruvian court has rejected a request to bar former President Dina Boluarte from leaving the country as prosecutors pursue corruption and abuse-of-office investigations against her.
Judge Fernando Valdez dismissed the motion from the State Prosecutor’s Office on Wednesday, ruling that Boluarte posed no flight risk and that the request was “unfounded.” The decision allows the ousted leader to travel abroad freely while facing several high-profile investigations.
”The court finds no sufficient basis to impose restrictions on the defendant’s movement,” Judge Valdez said during the hearing in Lima.
Boluarte, who was removed from office by Congress last week, faces multiple allegations, including money laundering and abuse of authority. Investigators claim she accepted funds from a criminal network and appointed senior health officials connected to her 2023 rhinoplasty surgery, during which she allegedly took an unauthorised two-week absence without notifying lawmakers.
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The former president has denied all wrongdoing, describing the investigations as politically motivated. She also faces scrutiny over her collection of luxury Rolex watches, which prosecutors suspect may have been obtained through illicit means.
Boluarte, who took office in late 2022 after the impeachment of Pedro Castillo, was among the world’s least popular leaders, with approval ratings between 2% and 4% before her removal. Her presidency was marred by widespread protests, rising crime rates, and accusations of excessive force during demonstrations in support of Castillo.
On the night of her ouster, crowds gathered outside Ecuador’s embassy in Lima amid speculation she might seek asylum there — a claim her lawyers later dismissed.
Peru continues to struggle with deep political instability. The country has seen seven presidents in seven years, with three former leaders currently imprisoned on corruption charges. Meanwhile, more than half of sitting members of Congress are also under investigation by prosecutors.
The continuous change in leadership and the actions of the members of the congress has eroded public confidence in government institutions and intensified public anger over economic stagnation and insecurity.
For now, Boluarte remains under investigation but retains her freedom of movement. The Prosecutor’s Office is expected to appeal the ruling in the coming days as the corruption probes advance.
