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Peru Court to Weigh Preventive Detention for MRTA Leader Víctor Polay on Nov. 26

Prosecutors argue he should remain in custody for allegedly directing a ‘social cleansing’ campaign linked to the 1989 Las Gardenias murders.

Overview

  • At 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 26, Judge Fernando Valdez will hold an inaplazable virtual hearing on a request to impose 18 months of preventive detention.
  • Polay faces aggravated terrorism and qualified homicide charges in the Las Gardenias case, and prosecutors are seeking life imprisonment.
  • The case is at the control de acusación stage, with filings describing an MRTA ‘Limpieza social’ policy allegedly approved by its Central Committee and implemented from 1988 to 1992.
  • The prosecution cites high flight risk, noting lack of arraigo or unencumbered property, family abroad, a 1990 escape from Castro Castro prison, and senior MRTA figures residing overseas.
  • Polay remains held at the Base Naval del Callao as his 35-year sentence is set to expire on Jan. 3, 2026, and the court is expected to issue a decision in the days following the hearing.