Peru’s former president Pedro Castillo has been hospitalized after four days of a hunger strike, protesting his imprisonment. He is currently on trial for rebellion linked to his attempt to dissolve Congress, facing significant charges from prosecutors. Castillo’s case highlights extensive political turmoil and corruption allegations in Peru.
Pedro Castillo, the former president of Peru, has been hospitalized on the fourth day of his hunger strike. The trial judge in his case confirmed on Thursday that Castillo, who is 55 years old, is undergoing treatment for an illness but is currently stable and out of danger. His hunger strike was declared as a peaceful protest against what he describes as his “unjust, arbitrary” imprisonment, as he faces trial for rebellion after attempting to dissolve Congress to evade impeachment for alleged graft.
Castillo has been in preventive custody since December 2022, following his ousting just 17 months into his presidency. During his administration, which began in July 2021, he encountered significant political opposition and was subjected to numerous investigations regarding graft, all of which he dismissed as politically motivated. Before his downfall, he twice survived impeachment attempts and was nearing a third, which prompted his controversial decision to dissolve Congress and attempt to govern by decree.
Instead of solidifying his power, Castillo was apprehended while en route to seek asylum at the Mexican Embassy in Lima, accompanied by his family. The prosecution is seeking a 34-year prison sentence against him for charges including rebellion and abuse of authority. Alongside Castillo, several former officials, including ex-ministers and police officials, are being tried, marking him as the fourth former president in the past quarter-century to face criminal charges.
In summary, Pedro Castillo’s hospitalization amidst his hunger strike underscores the critical nature of his legal situation, marked by allegations of rebellion and political resistance. Despite facing potentially severe legal consequences, he remains adamant about his stance against perceived injustices in his incarceration. His case is emblematic of the tumultuous political landscape in Peru, involving multiple former officials embroiled in legal controversies.
Original Source: www.france24.com
