Event Summary
In September 2025, the Supreme Court’s Special Investigation Chamber notified Proética of its recognition as an aggrieved party, setting a historic precedent: it became the first civil association to be acknowledged as representing citizens affected by corruption. On 7 January 2025, Proética had requested authorization from the Public Prosecutor’s Office to participate in the criminal investigation against President Dina Boluarte and other officials for the alleged crime of aggravated collusion, related to the preferential treatment of suppliers in social programs run by the Ministry of Development and Social Inclusion (MIDIS), such as Qali Warma. The aim was to represent the beneficiaries who were directly affected by this act of corruption. The Public Prosecutor’s Office denied this request, so Proetica turned to the Supreme Court’s Preparatory Investigation Chamber through a rights protection remedy. Following the hearing held on May 6, Proética was officially recognized as an aggrieved party.
The UNCAC Coalition’s Working Group on Victims of Corruption highlighted the significance of this achievement, stating: “The Peruvian Supreme Court’s decision resonates far beyond Latin America. At a time when restrictive laws and political pressure are shrinking civic space worldwide, this ruling affirms the essential role of NGOs in ensuring that corruption cases reflect the voices and rights of those most affected”.
This ruling sets a clear precedent affirming that civil society organizations have legal standing to defend vulnerable citizens’ rights. By recognizing Proética as an aggrieved party, the Supreme Court reinforces their vital role in safeguarding the public interest, aligned with Constitutional Court jurisprudence, the UN Convention against Corruption, and Article 94(4) of the Criminal Procedure Code.
No, Proética is the first NGO to be recognized by the Supreme Court as an aggrieved party in a criminal investigation into aggravated collusion involving preferential treatment of suppliers in MIDIS social programs, including Qali Warma.
Regarding this, Pamela Álvarez, coordinator of the Anti-Corruption Legal Office at Proética, explains: “In corruption cases, this perspective is crucial. Not only is the State harmed as the holder of the legal right to public administration, but also the citizens who suffer the consequences of these irregularities — including lower-quality basic services, diversion of resources, and, as in the Qali Warma case, direct negative impacts on the health and education of beneficiaries.”