Former Peru President Pedro Castillo Hospitalized During Hunger Strike

Former Peru President Pedro Castillo was hospitalized on day four of his hunger strike protesting his arrest for rebellion. He faces a potential 34-year prison sentence and remains on preventive custody since December 2022. His situation raises questions about political opposition and accountability in Peru.

Pedro Castillo, the former president of Peru, has been hospitalized after entering the fourth day of a hunger strike in protest against what he describes as his “unjust, arbitrary” imprisonment. This hunger strike commenced following his trial for rebellion, stemming from allegations that he attempted to dissolve Congress in an effort to evade impeachment over corruption allegations. Castillo has been in preventive custody since December 2022 and was officially ousted from office just 17 months after his election in July 2021.

The trial began last week, where Castillo faces a substantial prison sentence of 34 years for charges including rebellion and abuse of authority. Despite his deteriorating health, trial judge Norma Carbajal affirmed that Castillo was stable and ruled against delaying proceedings in his absence. Castillo’s predicament and accusations have drawn attention as he has previously survived two impeachment votes before attempting to dissolve Congress, a move that ultimately led to his arrest at the Mexican Embassy in Lima.

The political climate surrounding Castillo’s presidency has been fraught, marked by intense opposition and numerous investigations into corruption since the outset of his term. Alongside him, eight others, including three former ministers and police officials, are facing trial, making Castillo the fourth former Peruvian president to be prosecuted in the last 25 years. His case continues to evoke discussions on governance and political accountability in Peru.

In conclusion, Pedro Castillo’s hospitalization amid his hunger strike highlights his ongoing struggle against what he perceives as a politically motivated imprisonment. His trial for rebellion and the surrounding political turmoil reflect the significant challenges he faced during his presidency, ultimately culminating in his removal and legal troubles. The situation underscores broader issues of governance and political dissent in Peru.

Original Source: www.france24.com