March 4, Lima, Peru: Former Peruvian President Pedro Castillo went on trial Tuesday, facing charges of rebellion, grave abuse of authority, and disturbing public tranquility. The trial, held at a police base where Castillo has been detained since December 2022, marks a pivotal moment in a case that has deeply divided the South American nation.
The charges stem from Castillo’s failed attempt to dissolve Peru’s Congress and declare a state of emergency on December 7, 2022, as lawmakers prepared to impeach him. His move, which lacked military support, was swiftly condemned as an attempted coup. Congress voted to remove him from office, and he was arrested shortly afterward. Castillo’s ouster triggered widespread protests, particularly in southern Peru, where at least 49 people died in clashes with security forces.
Castillo, a former union leader and rural schoolteacher, rose to power in 2021 with a surprise victory over Peru’s political elite. His presidency was marked by instability, surviving two impeachment attempts before his dramatic downfall. Prosecutors are now seeking a 34-year prison sentence for the former leader, whose actions have left a lasting impact on Peru’s political landscape.
Following Castillo’s removal, Vice President Dina Boluarte assumed the presidency. Her conservative government has since forged alliances with traditional political parties, further alienating Castillo’s supporters. The trial underscores the deep polarization in Peru, as Castillo’s supporters view him as a victim of political persecution while his critics accuse him of undermining democracy.
As the trial unfolds, it highlights the ongoing tensions in a nation grappling with political instability and social unrest. Castillo’s case remains a flashpoint in Peru’s struggle to reconcile its fractured political identity.
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