Former Peruvian President Pedro Castillo has ended a four-day hunger strike protesting his trial for rebellion and state crimes. He has been detained since December 2022 for allegedly attempting to dissolve Congress. The ongoing trial has polarized Peru, with prosecutors seeking 34 years in prison. Castillo claims the proceedings are politically motivated and has faced protests and backlash since his removal from office.
Former Peruvian President Pedro Castillo has concluded a hunger strike that lasted four days, in protest of his ongoing trial for rebellion and other state crimes. Judicial authorities confirmed that Castillo ended the strike on Thursday afternoon after being hospitalized due to a health concern. Since his detention on December 7, 2022, he has faced charges including rebellion, grave abuse of authority, and disturbing public tranquility, potentially leading to a 34-year prison sentence.
Castillo’s detention followed his televised announcement to dissolve Congress and rule by decree, which resulted in his immediate removal by Congress. The trial has deeply divided the nation, with Castillo characterizing it as “politicized” and referring to the legal proceedings as a “pantomime.” He has declined the legal counsel offered by the judicial system.
Protests erupted in response to Castillo’s removal, particularly in southern Peru, leading to at least 49 fatalities in the subsequent weeks. He was succeeded by then-Vice President Dina Boluarte. Castillo’s background includes being a rural school teacher with no previous political experience prior to his election as Peru’s first Indigenous president. He is also under investigation for claims of corruption during his presidency.
In summary, Pedro Castillo has ended his hunger strike after four days, protesting against his trial for serious charges that could result in significant prison time. His situation remains contentious, reflecting deep divisions in Peru following his controversial removal from office. The political landscape continues to evolve as Castillo faces additional legal challenges related to his brief presidency.
Original Source: apnews.com
