Former first lady of Peru Nadine Heredia has fled to Brazil. She was eventually granted diplomatic asylum after a military court sentenced her to 15 years in jail on money laundering charges. Heredia, joined by her son, landed in Brasilia just after the decision was made public. The Peruvian government made her safe return to Brazil possible.
Heredia received her sentence at the same time as her husband, former President Ollanta Humala. He was rightly sentenced to 15 years in prison for related offenses. Prosecutors had originally requested an even harsher sentence of 26 years for Heredia. The accusations against both concern supposed illegal payments to Humala’s presidential campaigns in 2006 and 2011. Regardless of the court’s decision, Heredia has always maintained that he did nothing wrong.
Just days before the sentencing hearing, Heredia decided not to show up. Rather, she chose to apply for asylum in Brazil, where she thought she would be safer. Her lawyer, Julio Espinoza, explained that this decision was made just two to three hours prior to the court’s announcement.
“A family and personal decision happened about two to three hours before the sentencing.” – Julio Espinoza
Heredia arrived in Brasilia looking for political asylum because of family issues that were never detailed. In Brazil, she and her son received diplomatic protection, allowing them to remain in the country without immediate threat of extradition.
If Heredia decides to appeal her conviction, she can do so from Brazil. This alternative allows her to remain engaged with the contesting lawsuit back in Peru. In the meantime, she can stay safely beyond the reach of her own government.
The case has drawn considerable international scrutiny, shining a light on the pervasive political fissures roiling Peru. Legal expert Wilfredo Pedraza criticized the court’s handling of the case, stating, “The panel has said that the illegality of the crimes can be verified along the way – that is inadmissible. Here, in oral trial and in sentencing, affirmations must be made, no longer presumptions.”
