March 11, 2025
Ousted Peruvian President Pedro Castillo during a court hearing. Photo: EFE.
Former Peruvian President Pedro Castillo announced a hunger strike on Monday, March 10, denouncing what he calls a “judicial injustice” in his ongoing trial for rebellion and abuse of authority. Castillo, who faces a 34-year prison sentence, claims the process is politically motivated, despite his 2021 election as Peru’s constitutional president.
In a letter signed as “president in captivity,” Castillo accused the court of bias, alleging the judge preemptively deemed him guilty of rebellion without evidence. His lawyer, Walter Ayala, demanded the tribunal be reconfigured over impartiality concerns, arguing the charges lack merit since Castillo’s 2022 constitutionally allowed Congress disolution involved “no armed uprising or military support.”
Castillo framed his hunger strike as a “defense of dignity,” asserting he is jailed for “defending the people” while prosecutors “manipulate charges.” The court denied his request to leave the hearing and assigned him a public defender—a move Castillo claims underscores the trial’s flaws.
The trial, which began March 4, has faced criticism for irregularities and disinformation campaigns. Castillo’s defense is appealing to international bodies like the United Nations (UN) to intervene, citing violations of due process.
During opening statements, Castillo declared, “I am unjustly imprisoned,” framing his actions as efforts to protect Peru’s marginalized. Prosecutors, however, maintain he violated the constitution by attempting to dissolve Congress and install an emergency government.
Source: Orinoco Tribune