Pedro Castillo, Peru’s ousted president, was hospitalized after four days of hunger strike protesting his detention. He faces charges of rebellion after attempting to dissolve Congress to avoid impeachment for alleged corruption. The trial continues despite his absence, with significant political implications surrounding his legal battles.
Pedro Castillo, Peru’s former president, is currently hospitalized following the fourth day of his hunger strike, which he initiated to protest his detention. Having been ousted in December 2022, Castillo was arrested shortly after attempting to dissolve Congress to evade impeachment over corruption allegations. His lawyer described the hunger strike as a “peaceful protest” against what they termed his “unjust, arbitrary” imprisonment.
Castillo is facing trial for rebellion and has been in preventive custody since December 2022, with prosecutors seeking a 34-year prison sentence for charges including rebellion and abuse of authority. The trial judge reported his condition as stable after he fell ill and was taken to the hospital. Despite his absence, the judge dismissed a request from the defense to postpone the hearing.
Elected in 2021 and referred to as Peru’s “first poor president,” Castillo faced considerable political opposition during his term. Following his election, he was subjected to multiple impeachment votes stemming from various graft accusations, which he characterized as politically motivated. His attempt to dissolve Congress came just as he faced another potential impeachment.
During his political turmoil, he was arrested while trying to seek refuge at the Mexican Embassy in Lima with his family. His case is notable, as he joins the ranks of former Peruvian presidents who have faced legal scrutiny in recent history, including three ex-ministers and several police officials currently on trial alongside him.
Pedro Castillo’s hospitalization highlights the severe political tensions in Peru following his ousting. His hunger strike represents a desperate stand against what he perceives as an unjust legal process. As he faces serious legal challenges, including a potential long prison sentence, Castillo’s situation underscores the instability that has affected several former Peruvian leaders, reflecting broader issues within the nation’s political landscape.
Original Source: today.rtl.lu
