Lima: Former Peruvian President Martin Vizcarra has been sentenced to 14 years in prison after being found guilty of leading a corruption scheme during his time as governor of the Moquegua region. The court's decision was reported by local media, and it also imposes a nine-year ban on Vizcarra holding public office, along with a financial penalty.

According to Anadolu Agency, the former president, who is expected to begin serving his sentence immediately, announced his intention to appeal the verdict. Vizcarra expressed his discontent on social media platform X, referring to the judgment as "revenge" and asserting that "they will not break me."

Prosecutors in the case alleged that Vizcarra accepted over $600,000 in bribes in return for awarding contracts related to significant public works projects in Moquegua. Vizcarra held the governor's position from 2011 to 2014 before ascending to the presidency of Peru from 2018 to 2020.

Currently a prominent figure in the Peru First party, Vizcarra joins a list of former Peruvian presidents facing incarceration, highlighting what analysts term as persistent instability and corruption within Peru's political sphere. The country has seen six presidents since 2018, with several removed through impeachment or forced resignations due to corruption scandals.

Vizcarra rose to the presidency following the resignation of Pedro Pablo Kuczynski in 2018 amid allegations of vote-buying and connections to the Odebrecht bribery scandal. However, Vizcarra's presidency was cut short in 2020 when he was impeached for "moral incapacity" related to the same bribery allegations, which have now led to his sentencing. He has consistently denied all accusations, maintaining that both his impeachment and prosecution were politically driven.

In another statement, Vizcarra claimed he was being punished for opposing what he described as a "mafioso pact" and expressed hope that the Peruvian electorate would respond in the upcoming election. He mentioned that his brother, Mario Vizcarra, is likely to pursue the presidency in 2026 to "continue the fight."

Vizcarra lamented his removal from office, his barring from public positions, and his expulsion from his party, questioning whether these actions stem from fear of his influence.