Pedro Castillo, the former president of Peru, has begun a hunger strike in protest of his rebellion trial, facing a potential 34-year prison sentence. He claims the trial is unjust and politicized, having denounced the legal judgments against him. Furthermore, the context of his ousting and subsequent protests raises significant concerns about Peru’s political dynamics.
Former President Pedro Castillo of Peru has initiated a hunger strike to protest the commencement of his oral trial concerning alleged rebellion. The prosecution is pursuing a 34-year prison sentence against Castillo, who has been in detention since December 7, 2022. He announced his strike on social media, claiming it is in response to the “injustices committed against me.”
Castillo has accused Judge Norma Carbajal of prejudging the case, emphasizing that the legal definition of rebellion does not necessitate physical violence. He has labeled his trial as “politicized” and a “pantomime,” and has declined to accept legal representation from the judicial system.
In his defense during the trial’s opening, Castillo denied any wrongdoing, asserting that he only expressed the public’s desires through his speech. The Public Ministry alleges he attempted to dissolve Congress on December 7, 2022, to fend off a vote that could have led to his removal over allegations of being morally unfit for office. Following this attempt, he was ousted, imprisoned, and succeeded by his vice president, Dina Boluarte. The protests that ensued resulted in over 50 civilian deaths in Peru during the following three months.
In addition to the rebellion charges, Castillo is also facing another investigation regarding alleged corruption during his presidency, raising questions about the political climate in Peru.
Pedro Castillo’s hunger strike underscores his resistance against the charges of rebellion, which he considers unjust. His claims of political intimidation highlight the volatile nature of Peruvian politics, especially following his controversial removal from office. With the prosecution seeking a lengthy prison sentence and new investigations into corruption, Castillo’s situation might significantly impact Peru’s political landscape.
Original Source: www.wral.com
