Pedro Castillo Hospitalized on Day Four of Hunger Strike Amid Rebellion Trial
Pedro Castillo, the ex-president of Peru, has been hospitalized after four days of a hunger strike, protesting his detention during a trial for rebellion. He is facing potential charges leading to a 34-year prison sentence, alongside several co-defendants. Castillo’s political tenure has been fraught with allegations of graft and attempts to dissolve Congress.
Pedro Castillo, the former president of Peru, has been hospitalized four days after declaring a hunger strike as he continues to face trial for rebellion. The initiative for the hunger strike was announced by Castillo’s legal representative, who described it as a form of peaceful protest against what they deemed his unjust and arbitrary detention since December 2022.
At 55 years old, Castillo began his trial last week, facing charges linked to his attempt to dissolve Congress in an effort to evade impeachment concerning allegations of graft. The trial judge, Norma Carbajal, confirmed that Castillo has fallen ill but remains stable and out of danger. Despite his absence, Carbajal dismissed the defense’s request to postpone the hearing.
Castillo, who was regarded as Peru’s “first poor president” upon his election in 2021, faced significant political opposition shortly after taking office. Investigations into graft claims began soon after his inauguration in July 2021, claims he has rejected as politically motivated. Prior to his removal, he survived two impeachment attempts and was on the verge of a third, prompting his controversial attempt to dissolve Congress and govern by decree.
His effort was met with arrest as he attempted to reach the Mexican Embassy in Lima with his family. Prosecutors are now seeking a 34-year prison sentence for his actions, which include charges of rebellion and abuse of authority. Alongside Castillo, several others, including three former ministers and police officials, are also currently on trial, marking another chapter in the turbulent political landscape of Peru, which has seen four former presidents in legal difficulties over the past 25 years.
In summary, Pedro Castillo, former president of Peru, is currently hospitalized due to a hunger strike initiated as a protest against his detention. His trial follows serious accusations of rebellion stemming from his attempts to dissolve Congress. Castillo’s political journey has been tumultuous since his election in 2021, characterized by allegations of corruption and significant opposition. The legal outcomes for both him and his co-defendants will be critical in shaping Peru’s political future.
Original Source: www.france24.com
