Peru’s Ousted President Pedro Castillo Faces Trial for Rebellion

Pedro Castillo, Peru’s ousted former president, is on trial for rebellion, accused of attempting to dissolve Congress to escape impeachment. He has been in custody since December 2022. The political landscape in Peru remains unstable, with protests against his successor, Dina Boluarte, escalating. Castillo and Boluarte are both embroiled in accusations of corruption, underscoring the country’s ongoing governance crisis.

Lima (AFP) – The former president of Peru, Pedro Castillo, who has often been labeled the country’s “first poor president,” was subjected to trial on accusations of rebellion on Tuesday. This trial in Lima stems from his attempts to dissolve Congress and rule via decree to evade impeachment related to alleged corruption. Castillo has been detained in preventive custody since December 2022, facing significant political opposition since his election in 2021.

The trial proceedings began with Castillo appearing in court alongside penitentiary agents, dressed in a light-colored shirt and dark pants, without his signature wide-brimmed straw hat. Prosecutors are seeking a 34-year prison sentence for him, citing allegations of rebellion and abuse of authority. Castillo rose to prominence as a union leader during a teachers’ strike in 2017 before his presidency, which has been marred by accusations of graft since he took office in July 2021.

Throughout his time in office, Castillo endured fierce political challenges and survived two impeachment attempts before his controversial move to dissolve Congress. This resulted in his arrest while attempting to seek asylum at the Mexican embassy in Lima, alongside his wife and children. Subsequently, he was impeached after 17 months in power, and his family currently remains at the embassy seeking refuge.

Castillo represents the fourth former president of Peru facing legal charges within the last twenty-five years, highlighting the widespread political instability in the nation, which has seen six presidents in the past eight years. Following his impeachment, Castillo was succeeded by Vice President Dina Boluarte, who continues to face protests demanding her resignation and calls for early elections amid increasing public unrest.

The ongoing political crisis has been exacerbated by violent protests and a government crackdown that has reportedly led to the deaths of 50 individuals, including children, as per Human Rights Watch. Boluarte is currently under investigation for her role in these incidents, though she maintains legal immunity until the end of her term in 2026. Further allegations against her include accepting bribes and neglecting her responsibilities for personal reasons, claims she has contested as untrue.

In conclusion, Pedro Castillo’s trial for rebellion highlights the tumultuous political landscape in Peru, marked by corruption allegations and the struggles of recent leaders. His arrest and impeachment underline the controversies surrounding his presidency, which faced significant opposition. The ongoing investigations into his successor, Dina Boluarte, also reflect the persistent instability and turmoil affecting Peru’s governance.

Original Source: www.rfi.fr