Peruvian senators invoke former President Pedro Castillo during oath ceremony

On 24 July 2026, newly elected senators José Mercedes Castillo Terrones and Jaime Quito, both members of Juntos por el Perú, took office in the Peruvian Senate. Castillo, the brother of former President Pedro Castillo, altered the standard oath to include a pledge “for the freedom of President Castillo.” Quito likewise invoked “the freedom of Pedro Castillo” and called for the repeal of laws he described as favoring crime and impunity, while forgoing the traditional group photograph with the Senate leadership.

Both senators joined other newly sworn legislators who referenced victims of past political repression and pledged support for a new constitution, signaling the continued influence of Castillo’s legacy in Peru’s legislative arena.