Former Peruvian President Pedro Castillo, on a hunger strike protesting his rebellion trial, was hospitalized after health concerns arose. Detained since December 2022, he faces a potential 34-year prison sentence. Following his removal, widespread protests resulted in numerous fatalities, and Castillo remains in isolation due to his strike violating prison regulations.
Former Peruvian President Pedro Castillo was transferred to a hospital after three days of initiating a hunger strike, which he commenced in protest of his ongoing rebellion trial. The court overseeing his case confirmed that Castillo was moved due to a “health problem,” specifically to evaluate potential fluid-electrolyte imbalances and mild dehydration. The prosecution has requested a 34-year prison sentence for the former president.
Castillo has been in custody since December 7, 2022, following a televised address in which he announced the dissolution of Congress and his intention to govern by decree. His removal from office occurred concurrently with this declaration. He has characterized the proceedings against him as “politicized” and a mere “pantomime,” and has dismissed the legal counsel provided by the judicial system, asserting that he merely expressed the populace’s desires through political discourse.
Since Castillo’s ousting, Dina Boluarte, previously the Vice President, has taken his position. This transition triggered three months of protests across the nation, resulting in numerous casualties. Castillo, who initially gained prominence as a rural teacher with no previous political experience after winning the 2021 election, currently faces not only rebellion charges but also a criminal investigation regarding alleged corruption during his presidency.
Peru’s corrections authority has declared Castillo’s hunger strike as a violation of prison regulations, leading to the suspension of his visitation rights and his placement in isolation. Additionally, Walter Ayala, a former minister and attorney for Castillo, indicated that the ex-president has sought a precautionary measure from the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights aimed at compelling the Peruvian government to eliminate the sanctions imposed by the corrections agency.
In summary, Pedro Castillo’s situation reflects a significant crisis within Peru’s political landscape, wherein his hunger strike raises concerns over his health and the nature of his trial. His removal from office and subsequent legal challenges underscore the volatility of the nation’s leadership dynamics. The ongoing protests against his ousting, as well as investigations into his conduct during tenure, highlight deep societal divisions. Castillo’s requests for intervention from international human rights bodies signal his ongoing defiance against what he perceives as politically motivated charges.
Original Source: www.clickorlando.com
