Former President Pedro Castillo was hospitalized after a hunger strike protesting his rebellion trial. He faces a potential 34-year prison sentence and describes the trial as politicized. His presidency ended in December 2022 following his controversial actions that triggered significant unrest in Peru.

Former Peruvian President Pedro Castillo was transferred from prison to a hospital on Thursday, following a hunger strike that he began three days prior to protest against his rebellion trial. A court overseeing his trial stated that Castillo was moved due to a “health problem” and to address potential issues related to hydration.

Castillo, who has been detained since December 7, 2022, initiated a controversial political series of events by declaring the dissolution of Congress in a televised address, which prompted his removal from office by Congress on the same day. The current prosecution seeks a 34-year prison sentence for him as part of the ongoing trial.

In the opening session of the rebellion trial, Castillo maintained his innocence, asserting that he merely expressed the people’s wishes through his political speech and criticized the trial as “politicized” and a “pantomime.”

Following Castillo’s ousting, Dina Boluarte assumed the presidency, leading to three months of unrest and protests that resulted in numerous fatalities across Peru. Before his presidency, Castillo, a rural school teacher with no prior political experience, garnered electoral victory in 2021. In addition to the rebellion charges, he faces a separate criminal investigation regarding alleged corruption during his presidency.

The article details former President Pedro Castillo’s health-related transfer to a hospital following a hunger strike protesting his trial for rebellion. Castillo, detained since December 2022, claimed the trial is politicized as he faces a potential 34-year sentence. His presidency, which ended abruptly with Congress’s decision to oust him, sparked significant protests across Peru, resulting in numerous deaths. Additionally, Castillo is under criminal investigation for corruption during his term.

Original Source: www.newsday.com