Pedro Castillo, the former President of Peru, has been hospitalized after starting a hunger strike to protest his rebellion trial. He faces a possible 34-year prison sentence and claims the trial is politically motivated, adding to the ongoing political turmoil in Peru following his removal from office.
Former Peruvian President Pedro Castillo has been hospitalized three days into a hunger strike initiated to protest his ongoing trial for rebellion. Castillo, aged 55, was moved from prison due to health concerns, specifically to evaluate a potential fluid-electrolyte disorder and mild dehydration, as reported by the court overseeing his case. The prosecution seeks to impose a significant 34-year prison sentence upon him.
Castillo, who has remained in detention since December 7, 2022, asserts that his trial is politically motivated and characterizes it as a “pantomime.” He declined legal representation provided by the judicial system. In his initial court appearance last week, he denied all rebellion charges, explaining that he was merely expressing the populace’s aspirations during his political speech.
Following his removal from office on the same day as his controversial declaration to dissolve Congress, Dina Boluarte, the then-Vice President, assumed the presidency. This political upheaval sparked three months of protests across Peru, resulting in numerous fatalities among demonstrators. Castillo, previously a rural school teacher, ascended to the presidency in 2021 despite having no prior political experience. He is also under investigation for alleged corruption related to his administration.
In summary, former President Pedro Castillo has been hospitalized due to health complications while protesting his trial for rebellion through a hunger strike. His claims of political persecution and dismissal of charges highlight the ongoing tensions in Peruvian politics following his controversial presidency. The trials and subsequent civil unrest illustrate a significant moment in the nation’s recent history, marking a challenging transition in leadership and governance.
Original Source: www.newsday.com
