Ousted ex-President Pedro Castillo has been hospitalized after four days of hunger striking against his imprisonment. He is on trial for rebellion after attempting to dissolve Congress. Despite his health crisis, the trial proceeds without delay. Castillo faces serious charges and a long prison sentence, with implications for multiple former officials in Peru’s political turmoil.
Pedro Castillo, the former president of Peru, has been hospitalized after four days of a hunger strike aimed at protesting what he describes as “unjust” imprisonment. The trial stems from his attempt to dissolve Congress last year to evade impeachment proceedings related to alleged corruption.
Castillo, who was ousted from power in December 2022 and is on preventive custody, was declared stable after falling ill on Thursday. Despite his absence, the judge in his trial, Norma Carbajal, moved forward by denying a request to postpone the hearing.
Assuming office in July 2021 amidst fierce political opposition, Castillo faced investigations into various corruption allegations from the outset, which he claimed were politically motivated. His efforts led to two previous impeachment votes and faced a third inquiry, prompting his controversial decision to dissolve Congress.
Attempting to flee to the Mexican Embassy with his family when arrested, Castillo now faces a potential 34-year prison sentence for rebellion and abuse of authority. Alongside Castillo, several former officials, including ex-ministers and police officials, are being tried, marking Castillo as the fourth former president in Peru’s recent history to face such legal challenges.
Pedro Castillo’s hospitalization during his hunger strike highlights his ongoing protest against perceived political injustices during his trial for rebellion and abuse of authority. His precarious political journey, laden with accusations and impeachment attempts, culminated in his arrest, reflecting the turbulent political landscape in Peru. The implications of these ongoing trials and the requests for his lengthy sentence mark significant developments in Peru’s legal and political framework.
Original Source: www.france24.com
