Peru was rocked by televised images showing government agents breaking into the president's residence with a sledgehammer in a raid authorized by the judiciary at the request of the attorney general's office. The investigation revolves around President Dina Boluarte's possession of a collection of luxury watches since assuming power in July 2021. Boluarte initially claimed ownership of at least one Rolex, acquired through personal gains since the age of 18, urging the media not to delve into personal matters.
Attorney General Juan Villena criticized Boluarte's request to delay her court appearance, emphasizing her obligation to cooperate with the investigation. The political landscape in Peru has been tumultuous, with six presidents in the last five years. Boluarte's recent statements have been seen as contradicting her earlier pledge to speak truthfully to prosecutors, exacerbating the political crisis surrounding her ownership of Rolex watches.
The Attorney General stressed Boluarte's obligation to promptly produce the three Rolex watches for investigation, cautioning against their disposal or destruction. Boluarte, a 61-year-old lawyer, rose from a modest district official to vice president under President Pedro Castillo in July 2021, eventually assuming the presidency in December 2022 after Castillo's impeachment following attempts to dissolve congress and rule by decree, which led to deadly protests.
Critics have accused Boluarte's government of becoming increasingly authoritarian as it resists calls for early elections and collaborates with congress members on legislation that threatens the independence of Peru's judicial system.
