Pedro Castillo, Peru’s former president, was hospitalized on the fourth day of a hunger strike protesting his detention relating to rebellion charges. Having been ousted shortly into his term, he is on trial along with others from his administration, with prosecutors seeking a lengthy prison sentence based on the charges.
Pedro Castillo, the former president of Peru, was hospitalized on the fourth day of his hunger strike, as confirmed by the trial judge. At 55 years old, Castillo is facing charges of rebellion following his attempt to dissolve Congress in order to avert impeachment over allegations of corruption. His preventive custody began in December 2022, and he initiated a hunger strike as a peaceful protest against what he claims is his unjust imprisonment.
Following the onset of health issues, Castillo was admitted to the hospital on Thursday but is reportedly stable and out of danger, according to trial judge Norma Carbajal. Despite his absence due to illness, the judge rejected a request from his defense team to delay the hearing. Castillo’s tumultuous presidency lasted only 17 months, from July 2021 until his ouster.
Castillo faced severe political opposition throughout his term and was subjected to multiple inquiries regarding alleged corruption, which he has denied, attributing them to political motives. Having survived two impeachment votes, his attempted dissolution of Congress led to his arrest while trying to reach the Mexican Embassy in Lima.
Prosecutors are seeking a 34-year prison sentence for Castillo on the grounds of rebellion and abuse of authority. He is currently on trial alongside three former ministers, a presidential advisor, and three police officials, marking him as the fourth former president in Peru to face legal proceedings in the last twenty-five years.
Pedro Castillo, ex-president of Peru, has been hospitalized due to health complications caused by a hunger strike protesting his incarceration. His legal challenges stem from an attempt to dissolve Congress amid corruption allegations. Prosecutors are pursuing a lengthy prison sentence, and several individuals from his administration are facing trial alongside him. Castillo’s tumultuous presidency has highlighted ongoing political tensions in Peru.
Original Source: www.lebanondemocrat.com
