Peruvian Court Rejects Civil Prescription Request Against President José Balcázar

The Second Penal Unipersonal Court of Chiclayo ruled that the request to prescribe the civil action against President José Balcázar was unfounded. The defense had sought to archive the compensation claim stemming from alleged illicit appropriation of funds while Balcázar served as dean of the Lambayeque Bar Association. The court clarified that reductions in prescription periods for age apply only to criminal penalties, not to civil obligations, and therefore the civil claim will remain enforceable until 13 June 2027.

The judgment also ordered a temporary suspension of oral trial hearings to avoid interfering with the president’s duties. The oral proceedings are scheduled to resume on 21 August 2026, with a follow‑up session on 28 August 2026. The decision underscores that presidential immunity does not shield an individual from civil liability for actions alleged to have caused financial damage.