Keiko Fujimori faces serious accusations of money laundering in a new trial.

In a judicial hearing that has captured the country's attention, former presidential candidate Keiko Fujimori defended herself against money laundering charges brought against her by the Prosecutor's Office, related to possible illegal contributions to her electoral campaigns in 2011 and 2016. During the session, which was held virtually, all the accused, including Fujimori and 40 other co-defendants, vehemently denied the accusations against them, as well as any request for civil reparations made by the Prosecutor's Office. The Judiciary announced through its account on the social network X that the defendants have reserved the right to testify in the oral trial, which has generated expectations about the development of this emblematic case. The hearing is scheduled to resume this Tuesday, when two of the accused are expected to speak to declare whether they plead innocent or guilty, in addition to beginning the presentation of new evidence, starting with the Prosecutor's Office. Keiko Fujimori, who is the daughter of former president Alberto Fujimori, has maintained that the funds used in her campaigns came from reputable individuals and businesses in Peru. In statements made prior to the start of the trial, she asserted that the preliminary investigation had demonstrated the legality of these contributions, thus defending the legitimacy of her electoral financing. However, the accusations against her are based on statements from representatives of the Brazilian construction company Odebrecht, who claim to have made illicit contributions to her 2011 campaign amounting to 1.2 million dollars. In response to these claims, Fujimori cited statements from Marcelo Odebrecht, who claimed not to know her, and from former executive Jorge Barata, who stated he had never had contact with her. Prosecutor José Domingo Pérez, at the start of his presentation in the trial, did not hold back on accusations, asserting that Keiko Fujimori founded the Fuerza Popular party with the purpose of profiting and achieving impunity for herself and other members of her organization, whom he defined as part of a "criminal organization." The formal accusation against her demands a 30-year prison sentence, which adds significant weight to the allegations. The 'Cocktail Case,' as this judicial controversy has been termed, has revealed the complexity of political dynamics in Peru, where campaign financing has been a recurring theme of scandals and corruption. Fujimori's situation is just one of many examples that highlight the need for comprehensive reform in the country's electoral system. The judicial hearing presents itself as a battlefield not only legally but also in the media and political arenas. Fujimori's statements and those of her legal team have become part of a broader discourse on justice and politics in Peru, where the credibility of judicial institutions and political actors is frequently called into question. The rescheduling of the hearing to continue testimonies and evidence presentations shows that the case is far from resolved. The coming days will be crucial not only for Fujimori's future but also for public perception of the integrity of the Peruvian political system. The anticipation surrounding the upcoming statements is palpable, and many citizens are closely following the process, which could set a precedent in the fight against corruption. Meanwhile, Fujimori's defense, led by her lawyer Giulliana Loza, is preparing to counter the accusations and establish a solid argument demonstrating the legality of the funds received. The legal strategy adopted by Fujimori's team, as well as the court's decisions, will be closely monitored by the public and political analysts. This case, which has garnered attention both nationally and internationally, not only affects the image of Fujimori and her party but also raises questions about Peru's political future. As events unfold, tensions rise, and interest in the outcome of this trial, which could have significant repercussions in Peruvian politics, continues to grow.