Pedro Castillo, Peru’s former president, has been hospitalized after four days of hunger striking against his imprisonment. He is currently on trial for rebellion after attempting to dissolve Congress to evade impeachment due to alleged corruption. Prosecutors seek a lengthy prison sentence, with several officials tried alongside him.
Pedro Castillo, the former president of Peru, has been hospitalized on the fourth day of his hunger strike as a form of peaceful protest against what he labels as his unjust imprisonment. The judge presiding over his case reported that Castillo is stable after being taken to the hospital due to health concerns, despite his defense team requesting a postponement of the hearing in his absence.
Castillo, aged 55, began his trial last week following an attempt to dissolve Congress to circumvent impending impeachment for alleged corruption. He has been in preventive custody since December 2022. Once dubbed Peru’s “first poor president” upon his election in 2021, Castillo was ousted and arrested just 17 months into his presidency.
Since taking office in July 2021, Castillo has faced intense political opposition and has been subjected to multiple investigations regarding graft accusations, which he contends are politically motivated. He survived two impeachment votes prior to his attempted congressional dissolution, an action that ultimately led to his arrest while en route to the Mexican Embassy in Lima with his family.
Prosecutors are pursuing a 34-year prison sentence against Castillo on charges that include rebellion and abuse of authority. He is not alone in this legal battle; three former ministers, a presidential adviser, and three police officials are also being tried alongside him, marking Castillo as the fourth former president of Peru to face legal proceedings in the past 25 years.
In conclusion, Pedro Castillo’s hospitalization during his hunger strike highlights the severe political turmoil he faces as a result of his legal challenges. His attempts to navigate through a politically charged environment have led to serious consequences, including severe allegations and the prospect of significant prison time. Castillo’s ongoing struggle underscores the complex and contentious nature of Peruvian politics today.
Original Source: www.france24.com
