Pedro Castillo, Peru’s ousted ex-president, is on trial for rebellion after attempting to dissolve Congress in an effort to avoid impeachment for alleged corruption. He has been in custody since December 2022 and faces a possible 34-year prison sentence. Castillo’s presidency was marked by significant opposition and political turmoil, mirroring the challenges within Peru’s political system. His successor, Dina Boluarte, faces protests and investigations, highlighting ongoing instability in the nation.
Peru’s former president, Pedro Castillo, is on trial in Lima facing charges of rebellion for attempting to dissolve Congress and govern by decree to evade impeachment related to corruption allegations. Castillo, nicknamed Peru’s “first poor president” after his election in 2021, has been in preventive custody since December 2022. The trial is set to continue for several months, with prosecutors seeking a 34-year prison sentence for his actions.
Having risen to political prominence as a union leader during a 2017 teachers’ strike, Castillo took office in July 2021 but was met with fierce political opposition and corruption investigations soon after. He has repeatedly dismissed these allegations as fabrications aimed at ousting him, having survived two impeachment votes before making an attempt to dissolve Congress, which led to his arrest.
Castillo was apprehended en route to the Mexican embassy in Lima, where he sought asylum for his family, who remain there. The former president is the fourth in recent history to face legal troubles over corruption and human rights issues, highlighting Peru’s ongoing political instability, which has seen six presidents in the past eight years.
Following Castillo’s ousting, Vice President Dina Boluarte succeeded him but has faced protests demanding her resignation and the call for early elections. Human rights concerns have arisen from a crackdown on protesters, resulting in numerous fatalities, including among children. Boluarte is under investigation for these incidents and other allegations, enjoying temporary immunity until her presidential term concludes in 2026.
The trial of Pedro Castillo for rebellion underscores Peru’s tumultuous political landscape, characterized by rapid turnover in leadership and legal challenges against former presidents. Castillo’s attempts to evade impeachment and the subsequent political fallout reflect broader issues of accountability and governance in the country. While Boluarte remains in power, her administration grapples with protests and allegations, further complicating Peru’s already volatile political environment.
Original Source: www.france24.com
