Peruvian president avoids impeachment over 'Rolexgate' scandal

BBC - Apr 13th, 2025

A congressional committee in Peru has dismissed an investigation against President Dina Boluarte over allegations of accepting Rolex watches as bribes, effectively shielding her from impeachment while she remains in office. The subcommittee's decision follows a high-profile corruption inquiry known as "Rolexgate," which involved police raids on Boluarte's home and the government palace in search of undeclared luxury watches. This inquiry began after media reports highlighted her wearing luxury watches at public events. Although the investigation is closed for now, Boluarte may still face charges once she loses her presidential immunity after leaving office next year.

The context of this investigation is rooted in Peru's turbulent political landscape, where Boluarte ascended to the presidency after her predecessor, Pedro Castillo, was impeached for attempting to dissolve Congress. Her presidency has been marred by low approval ratings and additional controversies, including a probe into her unannounced two-week absence for nose surgery in 2023. The dismissal of the investigation raises questions about accountability and transparency in Peru's government. With elections scheduled for April 2026, the political climate remains uncertain amid public discontent and previous violent protests following Castillo's ousting.

Political Corruption Dina Boluarte Rolexgate Peru Congress Bribery Allegations Impeachment Proceedings Pedro Castillo

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

5.8

Moderately Fair

Read with skepticism

The article provides a timely and relevant account of the 'Rolexgate' scandal involving Peruvian President Dina Boluarte. It accurately presents the main events and allegations, although it could improve in balance by including more perspectives and detailed responses from Boluarte. The lack of explicit source attribution and transparency in methodology slightly undermines its credibility. Despite these shortcomings, the article is clear and accessible, engaging readers with its coverage of a significant political issue. By addressing a topic of public interest with potential for controversy, it contributes meaningfully to discussions on political accountability and governance.

Accuracy

The story presents several factual claims, such as the dismissal of an investigation into President Dina Boluarte and the potential for future charges. These claims are generally accurate based on corroborating sources. However, some details, like the exact nature of the watches and the implications of Boluarte's absence, require further verification. While the story accurately reports the congressional decision and the background of the investigation, it lacks precision in explaining the legal nuances regarding Boluarte's immunity and the exact circumstances of the raids. Overall, the story is mostly truthful but would benefit from additional detail and clarity on specific points.

Balance

The story predominantly presents the perspective of the allegations against President Boluarte, with limited exploration of her defense or the broader political context. While it mentions her claim of innocence and the government's view of the raid as disproportionate, these are not given equal weight compared to the allegations. The article could provide a more balanced view by including more detailed responses from Boluarte and her supporters, as well as insights from independent legal experts or political analysts.

Clarity

The article is generally clear in its language and structure, presenting the main events in a logical sequence. However, some complex legal and political aspects could be explained more thoroughly to aid reader comprehension. The tone remains neutral, but the lack of detailed explanation in certain areas may hinder full understanding of the implications of the events described.

Source quality

The article does not explicitly cite its sources, making it challenging to assess the credibility and reliability of the information presented. Without clear attribution, readers cannot evaluate the authority or potential biases of the sources used. The story would benefit from referencing official statements, court documents, or interviews with involved parties to enhance its credibility.

Transparency

The article lacks transparency in terms of how the information was gathered and the sources used. There is no disclosure of the methodology behind the investigation or the specific sources of the claims. Additionally, potential conflicts of interest or biases in reporting are not addressed, leaving readers without a clear understanding of the basis for the article's claims.