Peruvian Congress Revives Parliamentary Immunity: A Controversial Decision

Peruvian Congress Reinstatement of Parliamentary Immunity Sparks Debate LIMA, PERU – In a significant move, the Peruvian Congress voted 84-25 to reinstate parliamentary immunity, effective 2026. This decision has ignited a firestorm of debate, with supporters claiming it protects lawmakers from politically motivated accusations, and critics fearing it will shield corrupt officials. "Eighty-four votes in favor. This makes us believe that they will approve or ratify it in a second vote," explains El Chico de las Noticias in a recent TikTok video discussing the vote. The video highlights the arguments presented by Congress members, who claim the immunity is not a shield for impunity but a safeguard against unfounded accusations. However, critics point to the case of Congressman Freddy Diaz, who was sentenced for assaulting a staff member. The fact that the prosecution acted without prior authorization from Congress highlights the concerns surrounding the potential for abuse. Furthermore, a report from Proética revealed that between 2001 and 2019, the Judiciary requested the lifting of parliamentary immunity 40 times, yet Congress only authorized it in six instances. This statistic underscores the potential for the immunity to obstruct justice. While the law states the immunity will not apply to current members of Congress, the decision's timing, close to upcoming elections, raises questions about the political motivations behind the vote. The debate over parliamentary immunity in Peru is far from over, and its impact on accountability and transparency remains to be seen.