Pedro Castillo, Peru’s former president, is on trial for rebellion after attempting to dissolve Congress to avert impeachment due to graft allegations. He is in custody since December 2022, facing a potential 34-year prison sentence. Castillo’s presidency was marked by political opposition and instability, with his successor, Dina Boluarte, also embroiled in controversy and investigations.
Pedro Castillo, Peru’s ousted ex-president and dubbed the country’s “first poor president,” began trial Tuesday in Lima. He faces charges of rebellion and abuse of authority for attempting to dissolve Congress and evade impeachment on graft allegations. Detained since December 2022, Castillo entered the courtroom in casual attire and surrounded by penitentiary agents. Prosecutors are seeking a 34-year prison sentence against the 55-year-old former teacher, who rose to prominence as a union leader in 2017.
Having taken office in July 2021, Castillo encountered immediate political hostility and multiple investigations over corruption allegations. He dismissed these claims as politically motivated attempts to remove him from power. After surviving two impeachment votes, he attempted to dissolve Congress but was arrested while heading to the Mexican embassy in Lima with his family, leading to his impeachment after just 17 months in office.
Currently, Castillo’s family remains at the embassy seeking asylum. He is the fourth Peruvian president in 25 years facing legal issues related to corruption and human rights violations, reflecting the nation’s ongoing political turmoil. In the past eight years, Peru has seen six presidents, all grappling with instability, including his successor, Dina Boluarte.
Boluarte assumed the presidency amid protests calling for her resignation and early elections. In response to these protests, a crackdown led to the deaths of 50 individuals, including children, raising human rights concerns. While under investigation for her role in these incidents, Boluarte enjoys immunity from prosecution until her term concludes in 2026. Additionally, she faces accusations of bribery involving luxury gifts and abandoning her duties for an alleged medical procedure.
Pedro Castillo’s trial highlights the significant political challenges in Peru, revealing systemic issues of governance and the consequences of political dissent. As the former president faces severe legal consequences, the ongoing investigations into his successor, Dina Boluarte, underscore the precarious nature of power and accountability in Peruvian politics.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
