Peru’s Former President Pedro Castillo Hospitalized During Hunger Strike
Peru’s ex-president Pedro Castillo was hospitalized after a hunger strike initiated to protest his imprisonment. On trial for rebellion after attempting to dissolve Congress, Castillo faces severe charges, alongside several former officials. His political situation continues to evoke discussions on governance and corruption in Peru.
Pedro Castillo, the former president of Peru, has been hospitalized due to health issues arising from a hunger strike he declared four days prior to his hospitalization. His trial for rebellion commenced last week after he allegedly attempted to dissolve Congress in an effort to evade impeachment for corruption charges, which he contends are politically motivated. Currently, Castillo has been held in preventive custody since December 2022.
His attorney indicated that the hunger strike was a peaceful protest against what he described as Castillo’s “unjust, arbitrary” imprisonment. Although he was admitted to the hospital after experiencing health complications, the presiding trial judge, Norma Carbajal, confirmed that Castillo is stable and out of immediate danger. She dismissed a defense motion to delay proceedings in Castillo’s absence.
Castillo, a former schoolteacher and the first president from a low-income background, was removed from office just 17 months after his election in 2021. His administration quickly faced substantial political challenges, leading to multiple investigations into allegations of corruption. Despite surviving two impeachment attempts, he faced a third, which led to his controversial decision to dissolve Congress and rule by decree.
Instead of gaining control, Castillo was arrested while attempting to reach the Mexican Embassy in Lima accompanied by his family. He faces serious charges of rebellion and abuse of authority, with prosecutors seeking a 34-year prison term. Three former ministers, a presidential advisor, and three police officials are also undergoing trial alongside him, marking a significant political crisis as he becomes the fourth former president in a quarter-century to be tried in a court of law.
Pedro Castillo remains hospitalized after declaring a hunger strike in opposition to his imprisonment. The political landscape in Peru is tumultuous as Castillo faces serious legal proceedings and charges of rebellion. His unresolved issues with corruption allegations highlight a broader instability in his administration, and the current trial involves several officials related to his governance.
Original Source: www.lebanondemocrat.com
