Pedro Castillo, who served as Peru's president from 2021 to 2022, is currently incarcerated for 11 years and 5 months due to his failed coup attempt late in 2022. He has formally requested a pardon from José Balcázar, the newly appointed interim president and congressman from the Marxist party Perú Libre, which Castillo was affiliated with during his presidential election win. The request was submitted to the presidential office and was facilitated by Castillo's former Minister of Defense and lawyer, Walter Ayala, due to his advocacy on Castillo's behalf.

In his pardon application, Castillo emphasizes a need for consideration 'under the principle of humanity', alongside recognizing the commitments made by Balcázar to potentially grant a pardon. This development comes as Castillo, despite his conviction not yet being final, seeks to leverage the political landscape that saw him previously elected president—indicating a nuanced political maneuver given Balcázar's ties to his past administration. Castillo's situation underlines the tensions surrounding political leadership and justice in Peru, as past administrations grapple with the fallout from contentious governance decisions and legislative actions.

The response to Castillo's request may set a significant precedent in Peruvian politics, as it raises questions about the application of such pardons and the underlying political affiliations that may influence legal outcomes. The relationship between Castillo and Balcázar, along with their respective parties, highlights the ongoing political struggles in Peru, fostering discussions over governance, justice, and electoral integrity in a country facing deep divisions.