Pedro Castillo Sentenced to Over 11 Years for Attempted Dissolution of peru’s Congress
A Peruvian judicial tribunal has sentenced former President Pedro Castillo to 11 years, five months, adn 15 days in prison following his controversial attempt to dissolve the nation’s Congress in December 2022. This verdict concludes a protracted legal battle triggered by his December 7 declaration aimed at disbanding the legislative body amid imminent impeachment threats.
Background: The Political Upheaval That Led to Imprisonment
Facing a third impeachment motion after two unsuccessful attempts, Castillo announced a state of emergency during a live broadcast and declared the suspension of Congress. He accused legislators of undermining Peru’s democratic system. In response, Congress swiftly voted unanimously to remove him from office on the same day, leading instantly to his detention.
Castillo’s rise was unconventional; once a rural educator and union activist from Peru’s northern highlands with no prior elected office experience, he unexpectedly ascended to the presidency. His administration lasted just over sixteen months and was characterized by frequent cabinet turnovers and ongoing conflicts with an opposition-dominated legislature.
The Court Proceedings: denials Amid Serious Allegations
Throughout his trial last week, Castillo denied all accusations including rebellion and conspiracy against the state. He claimed that his televised announcement was merely “reading a document without result.” Prosecutors argued that this act constituted an unconstitutional seizure of power intended to destabilize peru’s democratic institutions.
Political Instability in peru: A Pattern of Turmoil
The sentencing fits into a broader pattern of political volatility in Peru where eight presidents have held office within ten years-a reflection of deep institutional fragility.Several former leaders are currently imprisoned on corruption charges:
- Ollanta Humala, president from 2011-2016, is serving a 15-year sentence for money laundering convictions.
- Alejandro Toledo, who governed between 2001-2006, received a two-decade prison term related to bribery allegations.
- Martín Vizcarra, recently sentenced to 14 years for corruption during his tenure (2018-2020), was transferred this month to Barbadillo Prison alongside other ex-presidents.
The Role of Barbadillo Prison as High-Security political Detention Center
this specialized facility inside Lima’s police academy is designated for high-profile political detainees who require enhanced security due to their status or risk factors within conventional prisons.Pedro Castillo will serve his sentence here rather than under house arrest-a request denied by authorities citing concerns over public safety and potential unrest.
Social Repercussions: Protests Erupt Following Sentencing
The incarceration sparked widespread demonstrations predominantly among Indigenous groups and rural supporters across southern regions demanding justice amid feelings of systemic neglect under successive governments. Protesters blocked major highways expressing long-standing grievances about marginalization.
The government led by Vice President Dina boluarte faced severe backlash after deploying forceful measures against demonstrators resulting in at least fifty deaths according to human rights organizations monitoring the situation closely. The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights condemned these actions as “disproportionate” and “indiscriminate.” Boluarte herself later faced impeachment amid escalating national crime rates before being succeeded by José Jerí-former head of Congress-as president representing right-wing interests.
Diplomatic strains During Trial Period Highlight Regional Divisions
Tensions extended beyond domestic borders when Mexico granted asylum asylum status to Betssy Chávez-the ex-prime minister under Castillo facing related charges-prompting Peru’s government to declare Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum persona non grata due to her outspoken support for Castillo throughout these events.
