Peru ex-President Ollanta Humala walks free after conviction quashed
Former Peruvian President Ollanta Humala has been released from prison after his money laundering conviction was overturned by the Constitutional Court. Humala, who served from 2011 to 2016, maintains that the charges were politically motivated.
Why it matters
The release of a former head of state involved in the Odebrecht scandal reflects the ongoing instability and legal volatility within Peruvian politics.
Peru's former President Ollanta Humala on Friday (July 31, 2026) was released from prison after his 15-year sentence for money laundering, linked to a massive graft scandal involving Brazilian construction group Odebrecht, was overturned.
Mr. Humala, a former army officer who led the country from 2011 to 2016, left the prison in Lima in a vehicle at about 7:40 p.m. (0040 GMT Saturday), under police escort.
A crowd of supporters was on hand to see his release.
Humala, 64, was the first Peruvian ex-leader to face trial in the Odebrecht corruption scandal, which has also tainted three other former presidents — Alejandro Toledo, Martin Vizcarra and Pedro Castillo.
All four were serving their sentences in a prison reserved especially for them, on a police base.
Humala and his wife were convicted last year for receiving illegal contributions from Odebrecht and the Venezuelan government in two presidential campaigns.
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