Pedro Castillo, Peru’s ex-president, is on trial for rebellion after attempting to dissolve Congress to escape impeachment for alleged corruption. He faces a potential 34-year prison sentence while in preventive custody since December 2022. Castillo’s removal amid political chaos reflects the ongoing instability in Peru, which has seen significant protests and a high turnover of leadership recently.
Peru’s ex-president Pedro Castillo has commenced his trial for rebellion, having been ousted after an attempt to dissolve Congress to evade impeachment regarding corruption allegations. Holding the title of Peru’s “first poor president” after his election in 2021, Castillo has been in preventive detention since December 2022. Accompanied by penitentiary officials, he attended the trial dressed in a light-colored shirt and dark trousers, absent his characteristic straw hat.
The prosecution seeks a 34-year prison term for Castillo, citing charges of rebellion and abuse of authority. Castillo, a former schoolteacher whose political visibility grew during a 2017 teachers’ union strike, faced intense political opposition following his 2021 inauguration. As accusations of corruption arose shortly after he took office, Castillo insisted the claims were politically motivated attempts to remove him.
After surviving two impeachment attempts, Castillo attempted to dissolve Congress in anticipation of a third vote against him. His actions led to his arrest as he and his family sought asylum at the Mexican embassy in Lima; he was impeached after merely 17 months in office. Currently, his family remains at the embassy while seeking asylum.
In a troubling context, Castillo is the fourth former Peruvian president in the last 25 years to face legal consequences related to corruption or human rights violations. The nation has been plagued by political instability, resulting in six presidents in the past eight years. Following Castillo’s removal, his vice-president, Dina Boluarte, has assumed control, notwithstanding widespread protests demanding her resignation and early elections.
The response to these protests has been severe, with reports indicating that 50 individuals, including eight children, have died, as noted by Human Rights Watch. Meanwhile, Boluarte, who is under investigation for these deaths, retains immunity from prosecution until her presidential term concludes in 2026. Additionally, she faces inquiries concerning alleged bribes and for purportedly neglecting her duties for personal medical procedures, which she claims were essential rather than cosmetic.
In summary, Pedro Castillo’s trial for rebellion highlights the ongoing political turmoil in Peru, where corruption allegations have marred several administrations. Castillo’s abrupt exit and subsequent legal troubles are indicative of a larger pattern of instability within the country’s governance. Furthermore, the current administration under Dina Boluarte continues to navigate significant public dissent and serious allegations, as Peru strives for political resolution and accountability.
Original Source: www.france24.com
