Pedro Castillo Transferred to Hospital Amid Hunger Strike Protesting Trial

Former Peruvian President Pedro Castillo was transferred to a hospital after starting a hunger strike in protest of his rebellion trial. He faces a potential 34-year prison sentence. Notably, Castillo has condemned the trial as politicized and faces additional allegations of corruption from his presidency, which sparked widespread protests in the country.

Former President of Peru, Pedro Castillo, was moved from prison to a hospital on Thursday, three days after initiating a hunger strike in protest against his ongoing rebellion trial. The court overseeing his trial indicated that the transfer was due to a “health problem” and aimed to exclude concerns regarding a “fluid-electrolyte disorder and mild dehydration.” The prosecution is seeking a sentence of 34 years in prison for Castillo.

Since his arrest on December 7, 2022, following a speech in which he announced the dissolution of Congress and his intention to govern by decree, Castillo has described his trial as “politicized” and a “pantomime.” He has declined legal representation offered by the judicial system. Congress officially removed him from the presidency on the same day of his arrest.

During the initial phase of the trial last week, Castillo denied any accusations of rebellion, asserting that his actions merely reflected the will of the people via his political speech. Following his ousting, Dina Boluarte, the then Vice President, assumed the presidency, which sparked three months of protests across Peru, resulting in numerous fatalities.

Castillo, a rural school teacher with no prior political experience, achieved victory in Peru’s 2021 election. In addition to the trial for rebellion, he is currently under investigation for alleged corruption related to his tenure in office.

Pedro Castillo’s transfer to a hospital highlights the ongoing turmoil surrounding his rebellion trial, where he faces severe legal repercussions. The claims of a politicized process reflect Castillo’s ongoing contention with the judicial system that led to his removal from power. This situation has resulted in significant civil unrest in Peru, and further investigations loom over his prior administration.

Original Source: www.newsday.com