# Peruvian political disputes over judicial independence

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/peruvian-political-disputes-over-judicial-independence
> Updated: 2026-08-16T23:22:30.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 2.

Senator Fernando Rospigliosi has initiated several disciplinary complaints against members of the Peruvian judiciary, prompting discussions regarding judicial independence. 

One set of complaints was filed with the National Board of Justice (JNJ) against three judges from the Third National Superior Criminal Chamber concerning a ruling on the 1992 Castro Castro prison massacre. Rospigliosi has questioned their application of laws regarding amnesty for security forces and crimes against humanity.

Additionally, Rospigliosi filed a formal complaint seeking the dismissal of Judge José Leonel Matos Centeno. The senator alleges functional misconduct regarding a ruling that ordered 12 months of preventive detention for eight military personnel involved in a confrontation in Colcabamba, Huancavelica, which resulted in the deaths of five youths. Rospigliosi argues the judge’s resolution contained “significant motivational defects” and included arguments not debated during the hearing. 

President Keiko Fujimori responded to the controversy by stating that while the decisions of congressmen are their own responsibility, her administration remains committed to the “separation of powers and the rule of law.”

## Claims

- Senator Fernando Rospigliosi filed a formal disciplinary complaint against Judge José Leonel Matos Centeno. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The complaint was submitted to the National Board of Justice (JNJ) on August 14, 2026. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Judge Matos Centeno ordered 12 months of preventive detention for eight military personnel. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The eight military members are being investigated for qualified homicide and attempted qualified homicide. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The military intervention in question occurred on April 25, 2026, in Colcabamba, Huancavelica. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Rospigliosi is seeking the dismissal of the judge if serious misconduct is proven. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-16: Senator Rospigliosi files complaint against judge in Colcabamba case

Senator Fernando Rospigliosi filed a disciplinary complaint against Judge José Leonel Matos Centeno, seeking his dismissal over a ruling that ordered preventive detention for eight military personnel in Colcabm

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/senator-rospigliosi-files-complaint-against-judge-in-colcabamba-case

### 2026-08-14: Senator Rospigliosi files disciplinary complaints against Peruvian judges

Peruvian Senator Fernando Rospigliosi has filed disciplinary complaints against multiple judges, prompting President Keiko Fujimori to reaffirm her administration's respect for judicial independence.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/senator-rospigliosi-files-disciplinary-complaints-against-peruvian-judges

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Cite as: Peruvian political disputes over judicial independence. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/peruvian-political-disputes-over-judicial-independence