Peru’s Ousted President Pedro Castillo on Trial for Rebellion Charges
Pedro Castillo, Peru’s ousted president, is on trial for rebellion for trying to dissolve Congress to avoid impeachment over corruption accusations. He has been in preventive custody since December 2022. Prosecutors seek a 34-year sentence. His vice president, Dina Boluarte, is under investigation regarding various allegations and faces political instability in the country.
Lima (AFP) – Pedro Castillo, the ousted former president of Peru, is currently undergoing trial for rebellion in Lima. Castillo faces accusations of trying to dissolve Congress and govern through decrees in an effort to evade impeachment concerning allegations of corruption. The trial commenced with Castillo in preventive custody since December 2022, a situation that arose following his removal from office just 17 months into his presidency.
As he appeared at the trial, Castillo, known as Peru’s “first poor president,” was accompanied by penitentiary agents. He was dressed modestly, in a light shirt and dark pants, absent his signature straw hat. Prosecutors are seeking a 34-year prison term for the 55-year-old on charges of rebellion and abuse of authority.
Castillo began his political journey from humble beginnings, gaining prominence as a teachers’ union leader during a 2017 strike. Upon his election in July 2021, he encountered intense political opposition leading to multiple investigations into graft claims. He refutes these allegations, alleging they are politically motivated aims to remove him.
Having survived two previously attempted impeachments, Castillo’s attempted dissolution of Congress occurred as he was facing a third attempt. His efforts led to his arrest while on his way to seek asylum with his family at the Mexican embassy, where they currently remain. He is now the fourth former Peruvian president in the last 25 years to face legal proceedings concerning corruption and human rights issues.
Peru is grappling with ongoing political turmoil, evidenced by having six presidents within the last eight years. Following Castillo’s impeachment, his vice president, Dina Boluarte, assumed leadership, managing to maintain power amid widespread protests demanding her resignation which also called for early elections. The situation escalated, resulting in violent crackdowns that left many dead.
Boluarte herself is facing scrutiny over the deaths of protesters, although she has immunity from prosecution until her presidential term concludes in 2026. Furthermore, investigations are underway regarding allegations of her receiving bribes and for her controversial decision to undergo plastic surgery, which she claims was medically necessary.
Pedro Castillo is facing serious legal challenges in Peru, highlighted by accusations of rebellion and attempts to dissolve Congress to evade impeachment. His actions have led to significant political unrest in a nation plagued by instability. Dina Boluarte’s continuing governance amid protests emphasizes the fragile situation in Peru, compounded by allegations against her administration.
Original Source: www.france24.com
