Pedro Castillo, Peru’s former president, has been hospitalized on the fourth day of a hunger strike while on trial for rebellion. Castillo protests against his incarceration, viewing it as unjust, while facing significant legal challenges, including a potential 34-year prison sentence for corruption-related charges.
Pedro Castillo, the former president of Peru, has been hospitalized after four days of hunger striking, as confirmed by the presiding judge. Castillo, aged 55, is currently on trial for rebellion following his attempt to dissolve Congress in an effort to evade impeachment for alleged corruption. He has been in preventive detention since December 2022 and declared the hunger strike as a form of “peaceful protest” against what he deems his “unjust, arbitrary” imprisonment.
The judge, Norma Carbajal, reported that although Castillo fell ill during his hunger strike, he is currently stable and out of immediate danger. She declined a defense motion to delay the trial proceedings in light of Castillo’s absence due to hospitalization. Since his election in 2021, Castillo has faced significant political opposition and was subject to multiple impeachment attempts prior to his arrest.
Castillo’s presidency, marked by promises to represent Peru’s poorer citizens, unravelled quickly under intense scrutiny and allegations of graft. His presidency was short-lived at just 17 months, ending in December 2022. Following an abortive attempt to circumvent Congress, he was arrested while en route to the Mexican Embassy with his family. Prosecutors are seeking a 34-year prison sentence for charges of rebellion and abuse of authority, marking Castillo as the fourth former president in recent history to face legal proceedings.
In summary, Pedro Castillo’s situation highlights the tumultuous political climate in Peru, marked by significant allegations of corruption and political strife. His hunger strike, reflecting his protest against perceived injustices, culminated in his hospitalization, though he remains stable. The trial is proceeding despite his absence, and Castillo faces severe legal repercussions as the nation grapples with its political challenges.
Original Source: www.derbyinformer.com
