Pedro Castillo, Peru’s former president, is on trial for rebellion after attempting to dissolve Congress to avoid impeachment over corruption allegations. Arrested in December 2022, Castillo’s trial may last months, with prosecutors seeking a 34-year sentence. Vice President Dina Boluarte, now in office, faces her own challenges and investigations, amid significant protests demanding her resignation.
Former Peruvian President Pedro Castillo, known as the nation’s “first poor president,” is currently on trial for rebellion after his attempt to dissolve Congress to evade impeachment proceedings. Arrested in December 2022, Castillo appeared in court in Lima on Tuesday, accompanied by penitentiary agents and dressed in a simple outfit. His trial, anticipated to last several months, arises from charges of rebellion and abuse of authority, with prosecutors seeking a 34-year prison sentence.
Castillo, a former schoolteacher, first gained national attention as a union leader during a teachers’ strike in 2017. He encountered intense political opposition following his inauguration in July 2021, with multiple corruption investigations initiated shortly thereafter. He has consistently denied these allegations, characterizing them as a political conspiracy aimed at his ouster. His presidency faced two impeachment votes, and his attempt to dissolve Congress led to his arrest while he was en route to the Mexican embassy in Lima to seek asylum.
Since Castillo’s removal, his vice president, Dina Boluarte, took office amidst ongoing protests and calls for early elections. Under her governance, which has experienced significant turmoil, a crackdown led to the deaths of at least 50 protesters, including eight minors, prompting an investigation into her actions. Although she currently holds immunity from prosecution until the end of her term in 2026, Boluarte is also being scrutinized for alleged corruption involving bribery and claims that she abandoned her duties for cosmetic surgery disguised as a medical procedure.
In summary, Pedro Castillo’s trial marks a significant moment in Peru’s tumultuous political landscape, characterized by ongoing allegations of corruption and political instability. His situation reflects a broader pattern of challenges faced by several Peruvian leaders in recent years, as the nation grapples with a fractured democratic system and ongoing social unrest. Vice President Dina Boluarte’s controversial tenure amid these crises underscores the ongoing political volatility in the country.
Original Source: www.france24.com
