Trial of Peru’s Ousted President Pedro Castillo for Rebellion Begins

Pedro Castillo, Peru’s ousted president, is on trial for rebellion after attempting to dissolve Congress amid allegations of corruption. Arrested during a failed escape to the Mexican embassy, he faces a potential 34-year sentence. His successor, Dina Boluarte, is also under scrutiny amid ongoing protests and allegations of human rights abuses.

Lima (AFP) – Former President Pedro Castillo of Peru is currently on trial for rebellion, having been accused of attempting to dissolve Congress and rule by decree to evade impeachment over alleged corruption. Dubbed the “first poor president” upon his election in 2021, Castillo has been in preventive custody since December 2022 and appeared in court this week with prison guards, dressed in a light shirt and dark trousers.

The prosecution is seeking a 34-year prison sentence for Castillo, who is 55 years old, on charges of rebellion and abuse of authority. Castillo, originally a village schoolteacher who rose to prominence as a union leader, faced significant political opposition and was under investigation for numerous graft allegations soon after his inauguration in July 2021. He insists these claims constitute a political conspiracy against him.

Castillo survived two impeachment efforts but attempted to dissolve Congress to avoid a third vote, which led to his arrest while heading to the Mexican embassy in Lima with his family. His abrupt ousting occurred just 17 months into his presidency, and his family remains at the embassy seeking asylum.

He is the fourth former Peruvian president in 25 years to face legal charges ranging from corruption to human rights abuses. Peru’s political landscape is marked by instability, with six presidents having served in the last eight years. Dina Boluarte, his vice president, has since taken office but is facing protests demanding her resignation and early elections.

The violent crackdown on protests has resulted in at least 50 deaths, including eight children, as reported by Human Rights Watch. While Boluarte is under investigation for these incidents, she maintains immunity until her term ends in 2026 and is also being scrutinized for allegations of accepting bribes and allegedly neglecting her duties for cosmetic surgery.

The trial of Pedro Castillo highlights the turbulent political climate in Peru, where corruption and instability have forced four former presidents to face legal consequences in recent years. As Castillo’s case unfolds, the response to protests against the current leadership reflects ongoing societal tension. With allegations of human rights violations under Boluarte’s regime, the quest for stability in Peru remains fraught with challenges.

Original Source: www.rfi.fr