Former Peruvian President Pedro Castillo, who is currently serving a sentence for an attempted coup in December 2022, has submitted a formal request for a pardon to the new interim president, José María Balcázar. Castillo, who has been sentenced to 11 years and 5 months in prison, claims that Balcázar has made public commitments to work towards his release, which Castillo argues created legitimate expectations among his supporters.

In his letter requesting the pardon, Castillo emphasized that the assurances made by Balcázar were not state secrets but rather explicit offers that should lead to a fair consideration of his plea. This request comes shortly after Balcázar’s inauguration, who, despite sharing Castillo's leftist political background, has clarified his position concerning the request. The context surrounding this pardon request underscores the ongoing political tension in Peru, particularly as the country continues to deal with the ramifications of Castillo's controversial presidency and subsequent arrest.

The implications of Castillo's request are significant, as they might reignite debates regarding the legitimacy of the judicial process in Peru, and whether political affiliations should influence such decisions. Balcázar's response to Castillo's plea could either foster political reconciliation or further polarize the already divided political landscape of Peru, depending on how the new president navigates this sensitive situation.