Controversy in the Ministry of the Interior: Minister accused of corruption and favoritism.

In a recent controversy that has shaken the Ministry of the Interior, the current head of the portfolio, Juan José Santiváñez, has been accused of attempting to intervene on behalf of a detainee during a police operation. According to a report from the program "Cuarto Poder," Santiváñez, while serving as Deputy Minister of Internal Order, allegedly requested a captain from the National Police of Peru (PNP) to connect him with one of the detainees to recommend a friend who is a lawyer. The operation in question took place on April 26, 2023, and was carried out by the Special Team of the Prosecutor's Office against Corruption of Power (EFICCOP), in conjunction with a special police team that has since been dismantled. During the operation, retired Colonel Martín Gonzáles Sánchez, a former deputy minister during the government of Pedro Castillo, was captured; he has been linked to various acts of corruption. The audios and text messages released by the program reveal a conversation in which Santiváñez mentions a friend, Luchito Vivanco, interested in defending Colonel Alarcón Camacho. "Friend, my friend Luchito Vivanco called me because he wants to represent himself as the lawyer for Colonel Alarcón Camacho. Please, friend, how can he get in touch with him?" can be heard in the audio that has generated controversy. The captain involved in the communications, Junior Izquierdo, nicknamed "Culebra," has been the one to reveal these messages, prompting a strong response from Santiváñez. The minister has categorically denied the authenticity of the chats and labeled the accusations as "false." He stated that he does not recognize either the messages or the person who supposedly presented them. In response to these accusations, Santiváñez has taken legal action by filing a protective measure before the Judiciary with the aim of proving his innocence. "Against what the captain is falsely presenting, I have already filed a protective measure," declared the minister, who has committed to accept whatever the Judiciary determines regarding his case. As events unfold, criticism towards Santiváñez has been increasing, especially regarding his alleged involvement in a corruption case that involves high-ranking police officials and political figures from the recent past. The situation has highlighted tensions within the cabinet and the response to corruption in the country. In addition to the corruption accusations, Santiváñez has been asked about the possibility of granting a lifetime pension to former president Alberto Fujimori, a topic he has preferred to distance himself from. He indicated that such a decision solely belongs to the Congress of the Republic and not to the political authorities of the Executive. "It is an issue that is eminently linked to the Congress of the Republic," he emphasized. The controversies surrounding the minister have reignited the debate on transparency and ethics in government. Public pressure on Santiváñez is palpable, and many citizens demand a clear and strong response to the corruption allegations that have tarnished the image of the Ministry of the Interior. In a context where the fight against corruption is one of the current government's priorities, the revelations about Santiváñez could further complicate public trust in institutions. Civil society is closely monitoring the evolution of this case, and many hope that justice will prevail to restore the integrity of the country's institutions. As mentioned, the scenario is developing, and the future of Minister Santiváñez will depend on judicial decisions and public opinion in a country that yearns for transparency and respect for the law. The situation will not only affect his political career but also have implications for the level of trust citizens have in the government and the bodies tasked with combating corruption.