Peru’s Ousted President Pedro Castillo Faces Rebellion Trial

Pedro Castillo, Peru’s former president, is on trial for rebellion due to his attempt to bypass Congress. Since December 2022, he has been in custody, facing a possible 34-year prison sentence. His presidency exemplifies Peru’s ongoing political instability, with significant protests and investigations involving his successor, Dina Boluarte.

Lima (AFP) – Pedro Castillo, the ousted former president of Peru, is currently on trial for rebellion, having attempted to dissolve Congress and govern by decree to evade impending impeachment due to alleged corruption. Since December 2022, Castillo has been in preventive custody, and the trial commenced this Tuesday, with expectations of ongoing proceedings over several months.

Dressed in a light-colored shirt and dark pants, Castillo, described as Peru’s “first poor president” upon his 2021 election, was escorted by penitentiary agents as he attended the trial’s opening day. Prosecutors have recommended a 34-year prison sentence for Castillo, now 55 years old, on charges of rebellion and abuse of authority.

Before his presidency, Castillo was a schoolteacher who gained prominence as a union leader during the 2017 teachers’ strike. Following his election in July 2021, he faced significant political opposition and immediate corruption investigations, which he has consistently dismissed as politically motivated attempts to unseat him.

Castillo survived two impeachment votes but attempted to dissolve Congress before facing a third vote. He was arrested en route to the Mexican embassy in Lima with his family, ultimately leading to his impeachment after only 17 months in office. His family remains at the embassy seeking asylum.

He is the fourth former president of Peru in the last 25 years to face legal charges, reflecting the country’s persistent political instability, which has seen six presidents in just eight years. Following Castillo’s removal, his vice-president, Dina Boluarte, ascended to the presidency, enduring numerous protests calling for her resignation and early elections after a violent crackdown resulted in the deaths of at least 50 individuals, including eight children.

Boluarte is currently under investigation concerning these deaths, though she is immune from prosecution until the end of her presidential term in 2026. Additionally, she faces inquiries regarding alleged bribes in the form of luxury watches and accusations of neglecting her duties for cosmetic surgery, which she asserts was medically necessary.

Pedro Castillo, the first poor president of Peru, is on trial facing severe charges of rebellion and abuse of authority after attempting to dissolve Congress. His tenure illustrates the ongoing political turmoil in Peru, marked by repeated allegations of corruption and the struggles of consecutive administrations to maintain stability. The trial could result in a lengthy prison sentence, further complicating the country’s political landscape.

Original Source: www.france24.com