"Interior Minister under scrutiny following corruption scandal and irregular contacts."

The controversy has erupted surrounding the current Minister of the Interior, Juan José Santiváñez, following revelations that, while serving as Deputy Minister of Internal Order, he allegedly requested the mediation of a captain from the National Police of Peru (PNP) to facilitate contact with a detainee. These facts were presented by the program "Cuarto Poder," which showcased audio recordings and text messages that apparently demonstrate Santiváñez's intention to recommend a lawyer to one of those involved in a corruption operation. The operation in question, carried out on April 26 of this year by the Special Anti-Corruption Team of the Public Prosecutor's Office (EFICCOP), resulted in the arrest of retired PNP Colonel Martín Gonzáles Sánchez, who had served as deputy minister during Pedro Castillo's government. Known by the nickname 'Conejo,' Gonzáles is linked to serious accusations that have shocked the country. In the leaked audio, Santiváñez appears to communicate with PNP Captain Junior Izquierdo, known as "Culebra," asking him to help connect a lawyer friend with Colonel Alarcón Camacho, who was also arrested in the same operation. These revelations raise serious doubts about the integrity of the minister and his role within the Ministry of the Interior. In light of these accusations, Santiváñez has decided to file a constitutional protection claim (recurso de amparo) with the judiciary, hoping to prove his innocence. He stated that he does not recognize the chats or the person attributed to the conversation and labeled the evidence presented by Captain Izquierdo as false. "I absolutely deny the communication, as well as deny other chats that this person has presented," the minister affirmed, showing his willingness to submit to justice. The situation is further complicated given the context of corruption that has been spreading in the country, affecting multiple public officials. The alleged involvement of a high-ranking government official in this scheme jeopardizes not only the current cabinet's management but also the public's trust in the institutions responsible for maintaining order and security. In addition to the allegations related to the operation, the minister was asked about other issues, such as the potential granting of a lifetime pension to former president Alberto Fujimori. Santiváñez distanced himself from the topic, asserting that such a decision falls exclusively to the Congress of the Republic. This distancing seems to be a strategy to avoid the political fallout that could arise from supporting or opposing such a controversial measure. On the other hand, companies linked to Minister Santiváñez are also under scrutiny, as reports suggest they may have significant debts to the state. This new front raises questions about the ethics and transparency of the official, who must account not only for his actions in the political sphere but also for his conduct as a businessman. As the scandal unfolds, pressure on Santiváñez is mounting. Through social media and the press, citizens are demanding clear and decisive answers. Public safety management is not only threatened by corruption but also by the perception that its leaders are involved in unethical practices. In this context of uncertainty, there are expectations for the judiciary to act swiftly in processing the constitutional protection claim filed by Santiváñez. Meanwhile, public attention is focused on the repercussions this situation could have not only for the minister but also for the stability of the government as a whole. The situation continues to develop, and all eyes are on how this scandal will be resolved. Corruption in the country is a delicate and painful issue that has affected trust in the authorities. Santiváñez's response and the actions of the judiciary will be crucial in determining the future of the current cabinet and the public perception of the fight against corruption in Peru.