Pedro Castillo, Peru’s former president, was hospitalized after four days of a hunger strike protesting his imprisonment. He is on trial for rebellion due to attempts to dissolve Congress amid allegations of corruption. Castillo faces a potential 34-year prison sentence, surrounded by legal proceedings involving other officials.
Pedro Castillo, the ousted former president of Peru, has been hospitalized following the fourth day of his hunger strike. He is currently on trial for rebellion, having previously attempted to dissolve Congress to evade impeachment proceedings related to alleged corruption. The allegations against him date back to his presidency, which began in July 2021, and resulted in preventive custody since December 2022.
Castillo declared the hunger strike as a form of peaceful protest against what he describes as “unjust, arbitrary” imprisonment. The trial judge, Norma Carbajal, confirmed his hospitalization after he fell ill but stated that he remains stable and is out of danger. Despite his absence, the judge denied a request from Castillo’s defense team to postpone the hearing.
Having been dubbed Peru’s “first poor president,” Castillo was ousted from power after a mere 17 months in office, marked by intense political opposition and multiple investigations. Although he survived two impeachment votes, he attempted to dissolve Congress as a third impeachment effort loomed. His arrest occurred as he attempted to seek asylum at the Mexican Embassy in Lima, accompanied by his family.
The prosecution is pursuing a 34-year prison sentence against Castillo for charges that include rebellion and abuse of authority. He faces the trial alongside three former ministers, a previous presidential advisor, and three police officials, making him the fourth former president in recent Peruvian history to face such legal challenges.
The situation surrounding Pedro Castillo highlights the ongoing political turmoil in Peru, particularly the challenges faced by leaders amid allegations of corruption and political opposition. His hospitalization during the hunger strike raises concerns regarding his welfare while the judicial proceedings continue to unfold. As the trial progresses, Castillo’s legal battles will likely remain of significant interest both nationally and internationally.
Original Source: www.derbyinformer.com
