Peru - March 2024

Congress suspended two members (Ines Tello and Aldo Vasquez) of the National Board of Justice (Junta Nacional de Justicia, JNJ), in a process criticized by experts and human rights organizations as undermining judicial independence. Some analysts also consider this an attempt by Congress to influence the appointment of judges and heads of electoral authorities, given the JNJ’s authority on the subject. Tello and Vasquez were also determined to be ineligible to hold public office, after being accused of contravening a constitutional provision on the age limit of the Board’s members. The decision to remove the two members was approved by the minimum required votes. At least one lawmaker voted in contravention of rules that prevent members of the Permanent Commission from taking part in the decision, sparking further criticism. Days later, Lima’s Supreme Constitutional Chamber reinstated the JNJ members pending the appeal process. Congress rejected the Chamber’s decision and has announced new accusations against the JNJ.  

Sources: La Republica (1), Human Rights Watch, La Republica (2), Deutsche Welle, El Pais,  International IDEA