Joran van der Sloot requests urgent prison transfer in Peru

Joran van der Sloot, the Dutch convicted murderer currently imprisoned in Peru, has filed an urgent request for a prison transfer due to death threats and psychological torture. In his petition, Van der Sloot claims he is a victim of daily abuse by fellow inmates, stating, “They threaten me with death, and that affects my mental health. And they threaten not only me, but also my family.”

He is currently held at the Challapalca prison in southern Peru, a facility known for its extreme conditions. Located at an altitude of 4,600 meters, the prison is characterized by freezing temperatures and difficult access for visitors. It is used to house the country’s most dangerous criminals. In December of last year, Van der Sloot was found seriously injured in his cell; reports indicated he had attempted to take his own life.

Van der Sloot is serving a 28-year sentence for the murder of student Stephany Flores and an additional 18 years for drug trafficking in Peru. He also faces a 20-year sentence in the United States related to the extortion of Natalee Holloway’s parents. While prison administration has reportedly agreed to the transfer, a judge must still provide formal approval.