Pedro Castillo, Peru’s ex-president, was hospitalized after four days of a hunger strike protesting his imprisonment on charges of rebellion. His trial follows an attempt to dissolve Congress to evade impeachment. Castillo has faced significant political opposition and corruption allegations since taking office.
Pedro Castillo, Peru’s former president, has been hospitalized after starting a hunger strike four days ago to protest his imprisonment. Castillo is currently on trial for attempted rebellion following his move to dissolve Congress to avoid impeachment on charges of corruption. He has been in preventive custody since December 2022.
His lawyer highlighted that the hunger strike was a peaceful protest against what they claim is an unjust and arbitrary detention. Despite falling ill, Castillo is reported to be in stable condition, according to trial judge Norma Carbajal, who denied a request to delay proceedings due to his absence.
Castillo, who served as Peru’s first poor president after his election in 2021, faced significant political opposition leading to his ousting and arrest after just 17 months in office. His time in power was marred by multiple investigations and graft allegations, all of which he denies as politically motivated.
The former president survived two impeachment attempts prior to his arrest while trying to seek asylum at the Mexican Embassy in Lima. Prosecutors are pushing for a lengthy 34-year sentence for Castillo, charging him with rebellion and abuse of authority. Alongside him, several former ministers and police officials are also facing trial, making him the fourth former Peruvian president in recent history to be brought before the courts.
Pedro Castillo’s hospitalization amidst a hunger strike highlights the ongoing political turmoil in Peru, as he faces serious charges including rebellion and corruption. Despite attempts to seek asylum, his legal battles continue, with potential repercussions for the future of political leadership in the country. The trial reflects the intense scrutiny former leaders face in Peru, making Castillo’s situation emblematic of broader issues of governance and accountability.
Original Source: www.lebanondemocrat.com
