Congressman Flavio Cruz defends Vladimir Cerrón amid political tensions.

The recent statement by Congressman Flavio Cruz, a member of the Peru Libre party, has reignited the debate surrounding Vladimir Cerrón, who has been a fugitive from justice since last year. In an interview conducted by Exitosa, Cruz did not hesitate to assert that his political group is "politically protecting" Cerrón and defended the strategy that Cerrón has adopted regarding his legal situation. These statements come in a context of political and judicial tension, where the figure of the former governor of Junín continues to generate controversy. Cruz emphasized that the protection they offer to Cerrón is part of a political defense of his ideology and party. "He is protecting his life and his freedom," argued the congressman, referring to Cerrón's decision to stay away from the authorities. This position has generated criticism and questions about the legitimacy of the actions taken by some party members in defense of an individual facing serious legal accusations. Cruz also mentioned Kelly Portalatino, another member of his bench, who is now under investigation for alleged concealment related to Cerrón. The Public Ministry has requested that Portalatino appear for questioning, and it seems that the situation has led to an atmosphere of distrust and concern within the party itself. In this regard, Cruz downplayed Portalatino's involvement, suggesting that her actions do not constitute a crime in and of themselves. The congressman insisted that his support for Cerrón is limited to a defense of his political opinion, which opens the door to interpretations about the nature of party loyalty in times of crisis. Cruz argued that "a prosecutor, for every stone that is moved, is not going to open a criminal case," referring to the possibility that opinions expressed within the political framework should not be grounds for persecution by the justice system. However, the situation becomes even more complicated when considering the possibility that the prosecutor's office might initiate actions against other figures in the party due to their connection with Cerrón. Cruz’s comments seem to hint at a common defensive strategy among the members of Peru Libre, who are determined to maintain their internal cohesion in the face of judicial adversities. Nevertheless, this unity could be tested if the investigations take on a deeper and more encompassing nature. Cruz also addressed leadership within his party, noting that he does not communicate directly with Cerrón, but is under the direction of other members, such as Waldemar Cerrón and Ana María Córdova. This could be interpreted as an attempt to distance himself from the actions of the former governor while simultaneously maintaining a clear stance of political support. As the investigations progress, the pressure on Peru Libre and its members will increase, potentially leading to internal fragmentation. The political dynamics in the country are marked by growing scrutiny of the actions of legislators and parties, and Cerrón's case has become a symbol of the existing tension between political and judicial power. At the end of the interview, Cruz called on the Public Ministry to conduct the investigations with objectivity and without "passion." Such comments reflect the concern among politicians that justice may be influenced by external factors, a sentiment that resonates in various sectors of the Peruvian population. As the situation of Vladimir Cerrón and Kelly Portalatino continues to develop, the future of Peru Libre and its ability to maintain internal cohesion will be tested. The uncertainty regarding the outcome of the investigations is palpable, and Peruvian politics finds itself at a critical juncture that could define the direction of the party and its representatives in Congress. The political defense of Cerrón, as articulated by Flavio Cruz, could have broader consequences than his supporters anticipate.