Peru’s Interim President Summoned to Court for Embezzlement Charges
A Peruvian court summoned José María Balcazar, the newly sworn-in interim president, for his upcoming trial on embezzlement charges on Thursday. This occurred just hours after he took office, and the court made it clear that his attendance is mandatory; failure to appear could lead to contempt charges and possible arrest.
Mr. Balcazar, who is a controversial figure known for supporting child marriage, became Peru’s ninth president in a decade after Congress impeached former interim president José Geri. He is currently under investigation for allegedly committing multiple corruption-related offenses during his time in office as both a lawmaker and a judge.
He will serve as president until July 28, 2026, when a winner from the April 12 presidential election will take over.
On the same day he was inaugurated, the Second Single Judge Criminal Court of Chiclayo summoned Balcazar to initiate oral argument proceedings regarding his embezzlement charges. He has been accused of asset fraud by the Lambayeque Bar Association and must appear in court on June 16, 2026. Notably, he may also participate remotely via video conferencing.
Later that evening, Balcazar denied any wrongdoing in an interview, expressing his lack of concern over the allegations. He noted that history has seen many individuals resort to slander. “It’s also archived,” he added, suggesting that the media failed to scrutinize those criticizing him adequately.
The Lambayeque Bar Association, where Balcazar faces embezzlement accusations, previously issued a letter urging Congress not to appoint him as interim president, citing unresolved criminal charges against him. They articulated that this proposal caused considerable distress among their legal community, emphasizing moral and ethical concerns.
Reports indicate that Balcazar previously served as a legal advisor to individuals convicted of serious crimes, such as luring a minor for sexual purposes and other severe offenses. Court records show that he has attempted to appeal convictions in both cases, though his appeals were rejected. These past associations have raised eyebrows amid his controversial political stances.
In 2023, Balcazar publicly defended the practice of child marriage when proposed legislation sought to ban it, arguing that “early sexual relations” could aid “a woman’s psychological future.” He pointed out the dysfunctional nature of marriage in Peru, suggesting that amidst changing social attitudes, legal measures might still miss the mark. “We want to prevent that, but how?” he questioned, acknowledging persistent societal issues.
