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Peru’s Supreme Court Overturns Salaverry Conviction in Representation-Allowance Case

The high court classified the congressional representation stipend as taxable personal income rather than public funds, nullifying the basis for a peculado charge.

Overview

  • The Supreme Court’s Permanent Criminal Chamber, led by Justice César San Martín, revoked the March 2025 verdict against former congressional leader Daniel Salaverry.
  • Justices ruled the weekly representation allowance of about S/2,800 was a personal remuneration subject to income tax, not a public resource requiring accountability.
  • The decision annulled the eight-year prison sentence, the order to pay S/119,577 in civil damages, and the five-year disqualification from holding public office.
  • The court held that the law requires travel to the representative’s region but does not mandate a continuous five-day stay, so absence from Trujillo did not constitute a crime.
  • The ruling noted that requesting travel funds for staff did not make Salaverry responsible for their use, while he said he felt vindicated and confirmed he will not run in the 2026 elections.