Keiko Fujimori faces trial for money laundering in the Odebrecht scandal: a milestone in Peruvian politics.

Peruvian politician Keiko Fujimori appeared at the opening of the trial she faces for money laundering in the Odebrecht scandal, a case that has kept the South American nation on edge and could mark a turning point in the country's political history. Before Judge Juana Caballero, Fujimori listened as the judicial process that could potentially send her to prison for up to 30 years began, at a crucial moment for her future and that of her party, Fuerza Popular. Since the special team of prosecutors "Lava Jato" began investigating Keiko Fujimori six years ago, the shadow of corruption has darkened her political career. The daughter of former president Alberto Fujimori, who was granted amnesty in 2023 after serving a sentence for human rights violations in Peru, now faces justice for allegedly financing her electoral campaigns in 2011 and 2016 with money from Odebrecht, the Brazilian construction company at the center of one of the biggest corruption scandals in the region. In a room filled with anticipation, Keiko Fujimori identified herself as the president of the Fuerza Popular party and disclosed her monthly salary, while the prosecution presented its initial arguments in a trial expected to be lengthy and complex, with over 1,500 witnesses summoned. Prosecutor José Domingo Pérez arrived at the hearing under strict security measures, reflecting the sensitivity and importance of this case for Peruvian society. The accusations against Keiko Fujimori are strong: she is accused of allegedly receiving $1.2 million from Odebrecht in a bribery scheme aimed at securing contracts in the country. Meanwhile, outside the court, her supporters protested for her innocence, facing off against protesters who oppose her, highlighting the division her case has sparked in public opinion. The Odebrecht corruption scandal in Peru has implicated several former presidents of the country, including Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, Ollanta Humala, Alan García, and Alejandro Toledo, among others. The revelation of massive bribes to Peruvian politicians has shaken the foundations of national politics and has fostered a deep distrust in institutions, fueling a sense of outrage and a demand for justice from the citizens. Keiko Fujimori, 49, has maintained her innocence throughout the investigations, although she previously served 16 months of pre-trial detention. Now, the prosecution is seeking a sentence of 30 years and 10 months in prison for the three-time presidential candidate, who faces charges ranging from money laundering to obstruction of justice, in a case that could be a milestone in the fight against corruption in the Andean country. Keiko Fujimori's presence in the money laundering trial related to the Odebrecht scandal represents a crucial chapter in Peru's political history, with implications that go beyond the figure of the Fuerza Popular leader. In a context of institutional trust crisis and demand for transparency, the resolution of this case will set a precedent in the fight against corruption and in holding political leaders accountable in the country.