Tomás Gálvez Dismisses Prosecutor Sandra Castro Amid Senate Candidacy
Overview of Dismissal
The acting prosecutor of the Nation, Tomás Gálvez, has officially terminated the appointment of Sandra Castro as provisional provincial deputy prosecutor. This decision came shortly after Castro announced her candidacy for the Senate with the Purple Party. The dismissal was formalized through a resolution from the Attorney General’s Office, numbered 3848-2025-MP-FN, published on New Year’s Eve in the official newspaper El Peruano.
Legal Grounds for the Dismissal
According to Gálvez’s resolution, both the Constitution and the Prosecutorial Career Law explicitly prohibit prosecutors from engaging in political activities. The Organic Law of the Public Prosecutor’s Office also restricts members from participating in political acts that do not align with their official duties. Gálvez emphasized that Castro’s political ambitions constituted an “obvious political act incompatible” with her role as a prosecutor, necessitating action to protect the integrity of the prosecutorial function.
Implications of the Order
As a result of this dismissal, Sandra Castro is no longer part of the Public Ministry. Because she was not a regular magistrate appointed by the National Council of the Judiciary (CNM) or the National Board of Justice (JNJ), she will not be reassigned to another fiscal office. Gálvez has also directed the National Control Authority of the Public Ministry to investigate Castro’s political application during her time as a provisional prosecutor. This investigation could lead to disciplinary actions, including reprimand, suspension, or further dismissal.
Claudia’s Response
In her statements, Castro suggested that her dismissal is directly linked to her previous complaints regarding an alleged organized criminal network operating within the justice system, which she referred to as “El Cuello Blanco.” She articulated, “El Cuello Blanco took me out because I reported his misdeeds,” indicating her belief that this was a retaliatory action due to her whistleblower activities.
Background on the Investigations
Castro was a leading figure in the investigations against the alleged “White Collars,” who were purportedly involved in illegal dealings concerning the appointment of judicial magistrates. Notably, this case had previously led to the dismissal of Gálvez himself in 2021, although the Constitutional Court later annulled this sanction in 2025, citing procedural rights violations, which resulted in Gálvez’s reinstatement.
Future Aspirations
Following her dismissal, Sandra Castro has pivoted her focus towards her Senate candidacy with the Purple Party, where she stands as the fourth candidate on the list. Her ambitions to influence legislative matters reflect her determination to continue her work in public service, albeit from a different capacity.
Conclusion
The dismissal of Sandra Castro not only raises questions about the intersection of legal and political duties within the Public Ministry but also highlights ongoing struggles against alleged corruption in the Peruvian judicial system. Castro’s response emphasizes the challenging dynamics faced by officials attempting to expose malpractices while navigating the complex political landscape.