Peru's constitutional court has annulled the 15-year prison sentence of former president Ollanta Humala, clearing him of corruption charges related to illegal campaign financing.
Humala, who governed Peru from 2011 to 2016, was initially convicted in 2025 for allegedly accepting illicit funds from Venezuela's then-president and Brazilian construction giant Odebrecht to support his 2006 and 2011 election campaigns.
Following the court ruling, Humala was released from Barbadillo Prison in Lima on Friday night, greeted by supporters. His lawyer, Julio Espinoza Goyena, stated on social media that the court determined the campaign contributions did not amount to money laundering and called for the dismissal of all charges.
Humala's wife, Nadine Heredia, who was also convicted and sentenced to 15 years, sought asylum in the Brazilian embassy and was granted safe passage to Brazil.
Humala described the charges as political and judicial persecution.
Context of the Odebrecht Scandal
- Ollanta Humala was the first of four Peruvian presidents implicated in the Odebrecht bribery case.
- Former president Alejandro Toledo received a 20-year sentence for accepting $35 million in bribes.
- Alan García, who served two terms, committed suicide in 2019 amid impending arrest over Odebrecht allegations.
- Pedro Pablo Kuczynski faced impeachment over payments from Odebrecht but denies wrongdoing; investigations continue.
Humala and Heredia were accused of receiving $3 million from Odebrecht and $200,000 from Venezuelan leader Hugo Chávez to fund electoral campaigns, allegations they have consistently denied.
Humala rose to prominence as a former army officer and political figure inspired by leftist movements, before shifting to a more moderate stance in his successful 2011 bid.
The legal proceedings began after Odebrecht admitted to widespread bribery across Latin America, implicating numerous officials and politicians, including Humala and his wife.
