Former Peruvian President Castillo Hospitalized Amid Hunger Strike…

Pedro Castillo, former president of Peru, was hospitalized after a hunger strike protesting his rebellion trial. Facing a potential 34-year prison sentence, he claims the trial is politicized. Additionally, he is under investigation for corruption and has lost visitation rights due to prison rule violations.

Former Peruvian President Pedro Castillo was hospitalized on Thursday, three days into a hunger strike protesting his ongoing rebellion trial. The court overseeing his trial reported Castillo, age 55, was moved due to concerns over a “health problem,” which included a potential “fluid-electrolyte disorder and mild dehydration.” The prosecution is advocating for a 34-year prison sentence for Castillo, who has been incarcerated since December 7, 2022, following a controversial speech attempting to dissolve Congress.

Castillo has characterized his trial as a “politicized” endeavor and has labeled it a “pantomime.” He has notably rejected legal representation designated by the judiciary, asserting that all he did was “convey the people’s desire through a political speech” during his trial’s initiation. After his removal from the presidency, then Vice President Dina Boluarte took over, leading to three months of unrest that resulted in numerous fatalities.

Previously a rural school teacher without prior political experience, Castillo won the presidential election in 2021. In addition to the current rebellion trial, he is also under investigation for alleged acts of corruption during his presidency. Furthermore, Peru’s corrections authority has stated that Castillo’s hunger strike violates prison regulations, leading to the suspension of his visitation privileges and subsequent placement in isolation.

Walter Ayala, a former attorney and minister under Castillo, noted that the ex-president has sought aid from the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, requesting a precautionary measure to compel the Peruvian government to lift the sanctions enforced by the corrections agency against him.

In summary, former President Pedro Castillo’s hunger strike has led to his hospitalization amid a contentious rebellion trial. His legal troubles stem not only from this trial but also from investigations into alleged corruption during his presidency. Despite his claims of a politicized trial, Castillo faces significant legal challenges as he navigates the ramifications of his actions while in office. Furthermore, his hunger strike has resulted in the suspension of his prison privileges, highlighting the ongoing complexity of his situation.

Original Source: www.usnews.com