Peru's Justice Minister, Ernesto Álvarez, ruled out granting a pardon to former President Alejandro Toledo, saying Toledo cannot be pardoned. He made the comments in an interview with Panamericana published August 8, 2026.
Álvarez said any future evaluation of Toledo's situation would depend on medical reports being properly corroborated, adding that corruption also exists within Peru's prison system.
Minister criticizes age-based pardons
Álvarez questioned granting a pardon to someone prosecuted for corruption simply for reaching a certain age, saying the move sends a negative message to the country. He said that if a person accused of misappropriating more than 38 million dollars from Peru could ask to be released to live at home upon turning 80, it would tell young people it is valid and legitimate to steal as much as possible before hoping for a pardon.
Castillo pardon also ruled out
Asked about a possible pardon for former President Pedro Castillo, Álvarez ruled out that option too. He described protests calling for Castillo's release as blackmail, saying he did not believe a pardon could be granted unless Castillo had a serious illness or health problem.
Calls for justice system reform
Referring to Ollanta Humala's release, Álvarez said legal proceedings in Peru can last ten, twenty or even thirty years, financially destroying families. He called for deep reforms to the Criminal Procedure Code, describing it as a failed code that does not serve the purpose of justice, and criticized the current system for containing more than 40 types of hearings.
