The Supreme Court of Peru ruled on January 23, 2025, that the appeal filed by former President Pedro Castillo against his preventive detention is unfounded, meaning he will remain in custody while being investigated for rebellion following his failed coup attempt.
Castillo's appeal sought to overturn the preventive detention order imposed in 2022, but the Permanent Criminal Chamber of the Supreme Court, led by César San Martín, stated that the risk of fleeing justice remains significant. The court noted the serious nature of the charges against Castillo, which include rebellion, abuse of authority, and grave disturbance of public order.
The prosecution is seeking a 34-year prison sentence for Castillo, as well as a three-and-a-half-year ban from holding public office. The court emphasized that no new evidence had emerged to alter Castillo's legal situation, thus the preventive detention remains in effect.
Concerns about Castillo's potential flight were highlighted, referencing his attempt to reach the Mexican Embassy in Lima following the coup announcement on December 7, 2022. The court recalled statements from then-President of Mexico, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, regarding Castillo's request for political asylum.
Castillo's wife and two minor children have already been granted asylum in Mexico and are currently residing there following his arrest and prosecution.