Pedro Castillo Hospitalized After Hunger Strike During Rebellion Trial

Pedro Castillo, former President of Peru, has been hospitalized after four days of a hunger strike protesting his imprisonment for rebellion. He faces serious charges related to attempting to dissolve Congress amid numerous allegations of corruption. His health condition is reported as stable, but his case highlights Peru’s ongoing political turmoil.

Pedro Castillo, the former President of Peru, has been hospitalized after four days on a hunger strike, during which he protested against what he termed “unjust, arbitrary” imprisonment. The judge overseeing Castillo’s trial for rebellion confirmed his hospitalization, stating that he is “stable” and out of danger. Castillo, aged 55, is facing charges stemming from an attempt to dissolve Congress to circumvent impeachment for alleged corruption.

Since his ousting in December 2022, Castillo has been in preventive custody as he faces serious legal challenges. His hunger strike commenced on Monday as a form of peaceful protest. His attorney expressed concerns over Castillo’s health following his illness, leading to his hospitalization days into the strike.

During his presidency, which lasted only 17 months, Castillo, a former schoolteacher, encountered significant political opposition and ongoing investigations into corruption allegations that he consistently denied. Although Castillo survived two impeachment attempts, a third led to his drastic decision to dissolve Congress, after which he was arrested while trying to seek asylum at the Mexican Embassy in Lima.

Castillo is currently facing a potential 34-year prison sentence on charges of rebellion and abuse of authority, alongside several former officials who are also on trial. He represents the fourth former president of Peru to face legal proceedings in the past 25 years, highlighting the ongoing political instability in the nation.

In summary, Pedro Castillo’s hospitalization marks a critical moment in his ongoing legal battles amid a hunger strike protesting his imprisonment. His presidency was marred by significant allegations of corruption and political opposition. Castillo’s trial for rebellion and the potential sentence reflect the tumultuous political landscape in Peru that has seen multiple presidents entangled in legal issues over the past few decades.

Original Source: www.derbyinformer.com