Pedro Castillo, former president of Peru, has begun a hunger strike protesting his trial for rebellion, for which he faces a 34-year prison sentence. He claims the trial is politicized and unjust, arguing that the judge’s prejudgement influences the proceedings. Castillo’s previous attempt to dissolve Congress resulted in his removal and subsequent incarceration as significant protests ensued.
Former Peruvian President Pedro Castillo has initiated a hunger strike as a protest against the commencement of his oral trial concerning the alleged crime of rebellion. The prosecution is seeking a 34-year prison sentence for him. Castillo, who has been in custody since December 7, 2022, declared this action via his social media platforms, expressing his opposition to what he believes are “injustices committed against me.”
Castillo contends that Judge Norma Carbajal has already prejudged his situation by asserting that armed rebellion does not necessitate physical violence, which he views as an attempt to “force the criminal type of rebellion” upon him. He characterized his trial as politicized and a “pantomime,” and has declined legal representation offered by the judicial authorities.
At the trial’s inception last week, Castillo denied the rebellion charges against him, asserting, “The only thing I did was convey the people’s desire through a political speech.” The accusations stem from his attempt to dissolve Parliament on December 7, 2022, in order to avert a vote leading to his potential removal over claims of “permanent moral incapacity” to govern. Following the dissolution attempt, Congress removed Castillo, leading to his incarceration, and his then vice president, Dina Boluarte, assumed leadership.
During the subsequent protests in the Andean nation, over 50 civilians lost their lives. Castillo, who previously served as a union leader and rural school teacher, unexpectedly won the 2021 election against Peru’s political elite. Presently, he is also under investigation by the prosecutor’s office regarding allegations of corruption during his presidency.
Pedro Castillo’s hunger strike symbolizes his protest against what he perceives as a biased judicial process regarding his rebellion trial. With the prosecution seeking a substantial prison sentence and the backdrop of significant civil unrest during his presidency, Castillo’s legal and political challenges continue to unfold in a deeply divided Peru. His claim of injustices and the politicization of his trial highlights the contentious state of the nation’s political landscape.
Original Source: www.wral.com
