Lima, Peru – The trial against former Peruvian President Pedro Castillo began on March 4 in the Special Criminal Chamber of the Supreme Court. Castillo faces charges of rebellion, abuse of authority, and disturbing the public peace for allegedly attempting to dissolve Congress on December 7, 2022. He has been in prison for over two years since his ousting.
Also accused in the case are former Council of Secretaries of State President Betssy Chávez and former First Secretary Aníbal Torres, who has pleaded not guilty. Castillo appeared without a lawyer, stating he dismissed his defense team as he does not recognize the legitimacy of the trial.
The prosecution’s case is based on Castillo’s speech in which he announced plans to dissolve Congress and convene a Constituent Assembly amid political tensions. His ministers resigned, and the military opposed him, leading to his swift removal by Congress and the installation of Vice President Dina Boluarte. Castillo was arrested hours later. His ousting triggered months of protests, with Boluarte’s government facing accusations of human rights violations over the violent crackdown.
Castillo maintains that the trial is politically motivated, calling it a “judicial circus” and labeling Boluarte’s administration a coup government. He has repeatedly claimed he is being held hostage and denied due process. Colombian President Gustavo Petro has criticized the trial, calling it an attack on democracy.
Posting on X, Castillo insisted his speech was not criminal and reiterated his call for a new constitution. “They accuse me without evidence,” he wrote. “This trial is a farce.” The proceedings continue, with Castillo refusing to cooperate, deepening Peru’s political crisis.
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