Pedro Castillo, Peru’s ousted ex-president, is on trial for rebellion and faces a potential 34-year sentence. He attempted to dissolve Congress to avoid impeachment amidst corruption allegations. Castillo’s presidency, marked by political opposition and protests, was followed by his arrest and impeachment. His successor, Dina Boluarte, faces scrutiny amid ongoing unrest.
Former Peruvian President Pedro Castillo, who gained the title of Peru’s “first poor president” upon his election in 2021, is currently on trial for rebellion in Lima. He is accused of attempting to dissolve Congress and rule by decree in order to evade impeachment related to corruption allegations. Since his removal from office in December 2022, Castillo has been held in preventive custody, as prosecutors seek a 34-year prison sentence for charges of rebellion and abuse of authority.
Castillo rose to prominence as a union leader during a teachers’ strike in 2017 and took office in July 2021. However, he faced significant political opposition from the outset, which resulted in multiple investigations into corruption allegations. He has dismissed these claims as politically motivated attempts to remove him from power.
After successfully surviving two impeachment votes, Castillo’s attempt to dissolve Congress occurred just before a third vote. His arrest took place while he was en route to the Mexican embassy with his family, leading to his impeachment just 17 months into his term. His family continues to seek asylum at the embassy.
Castillo is the fourth former president of Peru to face legal issues in recent years amid a backdrop of chronic political instability, which has led to the country having six presidents in just eight years. Following his ousting, Vice-President Dina Boluarte assumed the presidency and has faced widespread protests calling for her resignation and early elections.
The protests have been marred by violence, resulting in the deaths of at least 50 individuals, including eight children. Boluarte is under investigation for these fatalities, although she enjoys immunity from prosecution throughout her presidential term, which lasts until 2026. She is also being investigated over allegations of accepting bribes and for abandoning duties for medical procedures, which she claims were necessary.
In summary, Pedro Castillo’s trial highlights the ongoing political turmoil in Peru, where allegations of corruption continue to threaten governance. His legal battle underscores the challenges faced by leaders in a country plagued by instability. Former presidents now commonly find themselves embroiled in legal troubles, suggesting a systemic issue in Peru’s political landscape that remains unresolved.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
