Pedro Castillo, Peru’s former president, was hospitalized on the fourth day of his hunger strike protest against his imprisonment. He is on trial for rebellion after attempting to dissolve Congress to avoid impeachment. Prosecutors are seeking a 34-year prison sentence as Castillo faces multiple corruption allegations and legal proceedings alongside former officials.
Pedro Castillo, the former president of Peru who was ousted in 2022, has been hospitalized on the fourth day of his hunger strike, which he initiated as a protest against what he describes as his unjust imprisonment. The trial against him is centered on charges of rebellion following his attempt to dissolve Congress in order to evade impeachment related to alleged corruption. Castillo has been in preventive custody since December 2022.
During a court session on Thursday, the trial judge, Norma Carbajal, confirmed Castillo’s condition had stabilized after he fell ill. Despite a request from Castillo’s defense team to postpone the hearing, the judge denied the motion, keeping the proceedings on track. Castillo, who made headlines as Peru’s “first poor president” upon his election in 2021, has faced significant political opposition throughout his presidency.
After taking office in July 2021, Castillo encountered immediate scrutiny and was the subject of multiple corruption investigations, which he dismissed as political motivations. He survived two impeachment attempts before attempting to dissolve Congress to prevent a third. This move ultimately led to his arrest while he was en route to the Mexican Embassy in Lima with his family.
Currently, prosecutors are seeking a 34-year prison sentence for Castillo on the charges of rebellion and abuse of authority. He stands trial alongside three former ministers, a presidential adviser, and three police officials, making him the fourth former Peruvian president in recent history to face legal proceedings.
In summary, Pedro Castillo’s situation underscores the tumultuous political climate in Peru, highlighted by his hunger strike as a protest against perceived injustices during his trial. His tenure as president was marked by significant opposition and corruption allegations, leading to his ousting and subsequent legal challenges. Castillo now faces serious charges, along with several associates, as the political landscape continues to shift in the country.
Original Source: today.rtl.lu
