Former Peruvian President Pedro Castillo has been hospitalized after four days of a hunger strike protesting his imprisonment. He faces trial for rebellion and has been in custody since December 2022. Prosecutors seek a 34-year prison sentence amidst widespread allegations of corruption during his presidency.
Pedro Castillo, the former President of Peru, has been hospitalized after beginning a hunger strike four days prior in protest of what he views as his unjust imprisonment during his trial for rebellion. Castillo, who is 55 years old, was detained in December 2022 and has since faced numerous allegations of graft and political opposition according to the judge overseeing his trial, Norma Carbajal.
Castillo’s lawyer stated that the hunger strike was a “peaceful protest” against the conditions of his imprisonment. After falling ill, Castillo was taken to the hospital but has been reported as “stable” and out of danger. Despite his absence, the judge did not grant a request to delay proceedings related to his case.
During his presidency, which lasted only 17 months, Castillo encountered significant opposition and multiple investigations into alleged corrupt activities, all of which he has dismissed as politically motivated. Following his attempts to dissolve Congress to evade impending impeachment, he was arrested while en route to the Mexican Embassy with his family.
Prosecutors are seeking a 34-year sentence for Castillo related to charges of rebellion and abuse of authority. Alongside him, several former ministers and police officials are also facing trials, marking Castillo as the fourth former Peruvian president in recent history to be judicially implicated.
In summary, Pedro Castillo’s decision to stage a hunger strike highlights his protest against what he considers an unjust legal situation stemming from his presidency. Despite temporary health issues leading to hospitalization, Castillo’s legal battles continue as he faces significant charges that could lead to a lengthy prison sentence. The ongoing trials of several former officials demonstrate the broader implications of political corruption and accountability in Peru.
Original Source: www.france24.com
