Pedro Castillo, the former Peru president, has been hospitalized during his hunger strike protesting his imprisonment. He is on trial for attempting to dissolve Congress to avoid impeachment over corruption charges. Prosecutors seek a 34-year sentence, and he is also joined by several officials facing trial.
Pedro Castillo, the former president of Peru, has been hospitalized after declaring a hunger strike during his trial for rebellion. This occurred four days into the strike, which he initiated to protest his “unjust, arbitrary” imprisonment. Castillo, 55, has been in preventive custody since December 2022 following his ousting in December 2022, after attempting to dissolve Congress to avoid impeachment over allegations of corruption.
Castillo’s lawyer announced the hunger strike as a means of peaceful protest against perceived injustices. During a court hearing, trial Judge Norma Carbajal confirmed that Castillo was taken to the hospital after becoming ill but reported that he was stable and out of danger. She denied a defense motion to delay the hearing without Castillo present.
Upon taking office in July 2021, Castillo, who was celebrated as the country’s “first poor president,” faced significant political opposition and was subjected to multiple investigations regarding graft claims, which he denounced as politically motivated. He survived two impeachment attempts, but his attempt to dissolve Congress led to his arrest as he moved towards the Mexican Embassy in Lima with his family.
Currently, prosecutors are seeking a lengthy 34-year prison sentence against Castillo for charges of rebellion and abuse of authority. He is not alone in facing these allegations, as three former ministers, a presidential adviser, and three police officials are also on trial, making Castillo the fourth ex-president to confront legal issues in the past 25 years.
Pedro Castillo, Peru’s ousted president, faces serious charges and has turned to a hunger strike as a form of protest against his imprisonment. Despite hospitalization, he remains under trial for his actions while in office, highlighting ongoing political turmoil in Peru. His situation reflects broader challenges in the country’s governance and stability, with multiple former leaders facing similar fates.
Original Source: today.rtl.lu
