Pedro Castillo, former President of Peru, is currently on trial for attempting to dissolve Congress and intervene in judicial affairs. He was arrested while seeking asylum at the Mexican Embassy. Several former officials from his administration are also being tried as accomplices. The Prosecutor’s Office seeks lengthy prison sentences for all accused, amidst claims from the defense that Castillo’s actions did not amount to rebellion. This political turmoil has resulted in significant unrest and civilian fatalities.
The trial of former Peruvian President Pedro Castillo has commenced, centering on accusations related to his attempt to dissolve Congress and intervene in judicial matters on December 7, 2022. This maneuver failed due to a lack of military and police backing, leading to Castillo’s arrest while he sought asylum at the Mexican Embassy, claiming he was trying to protect his family.
Several key figures from Castillo’s administration accompany him in this trial, including former Prime Minister Betssy Chávez, who has been incarcerated since June 2023. Among those accused as accomplices are Aníbal Torres, former adviser; Willy Huerta, former Interior Minister on parole; and several police officers, all facing similar charges alongside Castillo.
The Prosecutor’s Office is advocating for 25 years of imprisonment for all defendants, except for Torres, for whom they seek a 15-year sentence. Castillo’s defense argues that his actions do not constitute rebellion as defined by the penal code since there was no collective armed uprising; however, the prosecution contends that he did instruct the Armed Forces to execute a coup.
Anahí Durand, former Minister of Women under Castillo, claims that his actions were not an attempted coup but a desperate response to political and media pressure aimed at his removal. Durand asserts that current President Dina Boluarte, in conjunction with opposition Congress members, conspired against Castillo, leading to her presidency, which she alleges contradicts his leadership. This political upheaval has incited protests resulting in fifty civilian casualties.
In summary, the beginnings of the trial against former President Pedro Castillo reflect significant political struggles within Peru. The prosecution seeks severe penalties for Castillo and his associates due to their alleged attempts to undermine democratic institutions. Meanwhile, the defense argues against the validity of these charges by emphasizing the absence of military backing during the incident. This trial illustrates the ongoing tensions between political factions in Peru and the complexities surrounding governance since Castillo’s presidency.
Original Source: www.plenglish.com
