President Keiko Fujimori stated that her administration will carry out a reorganization of the entire prison population nationwide, with the most dangerous inmates to be transferred to Challapalca prison.
This decision follows a brawl that took place at El Milagro prison in the city of Trujillo.
The President made these remarks after overseeing the transfer of inmates from that facility to a maximum-security prison located in Tacna.
Addressing the altercation, she noted that such incidents should not occur, which is why these actions are being taken.
Furthermore, she mentioned that, according to the head of the National Penitentiary Institute (INPE), Abraham Lescano, the fight inside El Milagro prison was reportedly triggered by the appointment of a new inmate representative.
In this regard, she acknowledged that the measures the government is implementing to regain control of the prisons—such as banning telecommunications and tightening security around the prison perimeters—are causing some discontent.
"Incidents like this (the brawl at El Milagro) should not happen; that is why there are consequences. Yesterday, two groups were transferred to other nearby prisons. However, the leaders of these criminal organizations are being moved to Challapalca. I want to be very clear: any further brawls will have consequences, and those involved will be transferred to remote prisons," the President told the press.
"I have requested from the Minister of Justice a complete list of all inmates across all prisons in Peru, along with their respective classifications. A reorganization of the entire prison population will be carried out nationwide," she stated, when asked about additional measures to be taken following the events in Trujillo.
Furthermore, she maintained that changes are being implemented within the leadership of penal institutions nationwide, and that any allegations of corruption within these facilities will be investigated. "Let it be perfectly clear that order and control are being restored to the nation's prisons," she added.
The leader also mentioned that a series of changes will be introduced within the prisons, including the implementation of more vocational workshops for inmates and the establishment of a "Zero Idleness" (Cero Ocio) program, ensuring that they have something productive to offer society.
"I repeat: there will be a reclassification process. The most dangerous criminals—murderers—will be transferred to Challapalca," she added.
Additionally, President Keiko Fujimori indicated that the Minister of Justice and Human Rights, Ernesto Álvarez, will be responsible for drafting the regulations concerning measures such as mandatory haircuts and specific prison attire for inmates.
She made these remarks when asked about the white uniforms and shaved heads of inmates being transferred from the Trujillo prison—a practice similar to that used for detainees at the Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT), a maximum-security prison in El Salvador.
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Published: 11/2/2026