Peru’s justice oversight board has suspended Attorney General Patricia Benavides as an investigation intensifies into accusations of her leading a “criminal organization.” In a statement late on Wednesday, the board cited the suspension as a measure to “prevent obstruction” of the ongoing inquiry. Last week, Benavides dismissed the head of the anti-corruption team investigating her, prompting further scrutiny.
Benavides’ lawyer, Juan Pena, refuted the allegations on Thursday, stating they were false. He announced plans to appeal to the board seeking to halt the suspension. Benavides’ office was not immediately available for comment.
Prosecutors allege that Benavides has overseen a team coordinating a scheme where lawmakers have their criminal investigations cleared by appointing or dismissing certain judges. An anti-corruption team within Benavides’ office has been investigating these allegations.
Peru, marked by significant political instability, witnesses this probe as the latest in a series of accusations and counter-accusations among political leaders. Benavides, in office since June 2022, previously filed constitutional complaints against both President Dina Boluarte and her predecessor Pedro Castillo. The probe’s outcome may signal a shift in these investigations once Benavides’ successor is announced.
Accusations against Castillo last year also claimed he led a criminal organization, while those against Boluarte, filed last week, relate to the deaths of over 50 people during anti-government protests following Castillo’s ouster in December 2022. Boluarte, facing declining approval ratings, denounced the move as a “despicable political maneuver.”
