Overview
- The Segundo Juzgado Penal Unipersonal de Chiclayo ruled on July 7 that the defense’s request to declare the civil reparations claim prescribed was unfounded, and it fixed the claim’s expiry date as June 13, 2027.
- The court said Article 81 of the Penal Code, which can reduce criminal prescription for very young or elderly defendants, applies only to criminal sanctions and cannot shorten civil reparatory deadlines.
- Judges suspended in-person civil diligences for the duration of Balcázar’s presidential term to avoid interfering with his duties but scheduled the installation of the oral trial’s civil phase for August 21 and August 28, 2026.
- The case stems from alleged irregularities during Balcázar’s 2019–2020 term as dean of the Lambayeque Bar Association, with audit and Fiscalía reports citing a presumed S/1,446,022.30 shortfall and S/350,000–S/550,000 in deposits to personal accounts; the criminal action prescribed in June 2025.
- The ruling leaves possible civil payment on the table and could prompt renewed scrutiny of institutional finances and political pressure if hearings resume after the presidency ends.