Former Peruvian President Pedro Castillo has been hospitalized after starting a hunger strike in protest of his rebellion trial. He faces a potential 34-year prison sentence for his actions following his controversial removal from office. His treatment and the political context raise significant legal and humanitarian questions.
Former Peruvian President Pedro Castillo has been transferred to a hospital three days into his hunger strike, protesting his ongoing rebellion trial. The court stated that the transfer was due to a “health problem” and aimed to assess for a “fluid-electrolyte disorder and mild dehydration.” Castillo, 55, faces a potential 34-year prison sentence as the prosecution moves forward with the trial.
Since his removal from office on December 7, 2022, following a controversial televised address where he declared Congress dissolved, Castillo has asserted that his trial is “politicized” and has dismissed the legal counsel provided to him. During the opening of the trial, he insisted he did not commit rebellion, claiming he merely expressed “the people’s desire through a political speech.”
The political upheaval following Castillo’s removal led to significant protests, resulting in dozens of fatalities across the nation. Notably, his vice president, Dina Boluarte, assumed the presidency during this turmoil. In addition to the current rebellion trial, Castillo is under investigation for alleged corruption linked to his presidential tenure.
Peru’s corrections agency has determined that Castillo’s hunger strike violates prison regulations. Consequently, he has been isolated and stripped of visitation rights. Walter Ayala, a former minister and attorney for Castillo, revealed that the ex-president is seeking assistance from the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights to intervene against these sanctions imposed by the corrections agency.
In summary, former President Pedro Castillo’s ongoing hunger strike highlights serious concerns regarding his trial and treatment while incarcerated. His claims of a politicized process reflect broader implications for political accountability in Peru. As he faces severe legal repercussions, the ramifications of his actions continue to unfold amid a backdrop of national unrest. This situation remains critical, as Castillo seeks international support to address what he perceives as unjust treatment by the authorities.
Original Source: www.clickorlando.com
