Defense Minister Rafael Belaúnde defends presence during Trujillo interrogations

Peruvian Defense Minister Rafael Belaúnde has addressed criticisms regarding his presence during the interrogation of detainees in Trujillo. Belaúnde clarified that his involvement was intended solely to verify the physical condition and health status of those in custody.

While acknowledging that his presence might have appeared ‘unsuitable or unpertinent’, the Minister maintained that his actions did not violate legal frameworks or interfere with the investigations conducted by the National Police and the Public Ministry. He noted that both the Attorney General and prosecutor Chávez Cotrina confirmed that his presence did not constitute an illegal intrusion into the ongoing proceedings.