Pedro Castillo, Peru’s former president, is on trial for rebellion after attempting to dissolve Congress amid corruption allegations. He faces a potential 34-year prison sentence. Castillo’s tenure was marked by political strife, leading to his impeachment after 17 months in office. His successor, Dina Boluarte, faces her own legal issues amidst ongoing protests and calls for early elections.
Former Peruvian President Pedro Castillo is currently on trial in Lima, facing charges of rebellion after attempting to dissolve Congress to evade impeachment proceedings related to corruption allegations. Dubbed the nation’s “first poor president” upon his election in 2021, Castillo has been in preventive custody since December 2022. The trial, which began on Tuesday, is expected to extend over several months as prosecutors seek a 34-year prison sentence for his actions.
Castillo, aged 55, had previously garnered national attention as a schoolteacher and union leader, particularly during the 2017 teachers’ strike. Upon assuming the presidency in July 2021, he encountered substantial political opposition, leading to investigations into various corruption claims. He has characterized these allegations as politically motivated attempts to oust him from power.
Following the initiation of a third impeachment vote against him, Castillo attempted to dissolve Congress but was arrested en route to the Mexican embassy in Lima with his family. His impeachment followed swiftly after just 17 months in office, with his family currently seeking asylum at the embassy. Castillo is the fourth former president of Peru within 25 years facing legal charges ranging from corruption to human rights violations.
Peru has been plagued by political instability, with six presidents in the past eight years. Dina Boluarte, Castillo’s vice-president who succeeded him, has faced numerous protests demanding her resignation and early elections. A crackdown on protests has resulted in the deaths of at least 50 individuals, including eight children, with investigations into Boluarte’s handling of the situation ongoing, though she is protected from prosecution until her term concludes in 2026.
In conclusion, Pedro Castillo’s trial for rebellion highlights the ongoing political turmoil in Peru, marked by frequent changes in leadership and allegations of corruption. As the country seeks stability, the legal challenges faced by both Castillo and his successor, Dina Boluarte, underscore the complexities of governance and accountability in the region.
Original Source: www.france24.com
