- Castillo transferred to hospital after 3-day hunger strike
- Prosecutors seek 34-year sentence for rebellion charges
- Former president refuses state-appointed legal counsel
- Post-ouster protests resulted in over 60 fatalities nationwide
- First teacher-president now faces parallel corruption investigation
Peru's ongoing political crisis reached new intensity as former President Pedro Castillo required emergency medical care following his hunger strike protest. The 55-year-old leader, detained since December 2022, initiated the drastic measure to contest what he calls a politicized pantomimetrial regarding his controversial attempt to dissolve Congress. Judicial authorities confirmed the hospitalization addressed potential electrolyte imbalance and dehydration risks.
Castillo's legal battles mirror broader Latin American patterns where left-leaning leaders face judicial challenges, as seen in Brazil's Lula da Silva case. Unlike Lula's eventual political resurgence, Castillo's rural teacher background and lack of established party support complicate his defense strategy. Regional analysts note his case highlights persistent tensions between executive and legislative branches in Andean governments.
The rebellion trial gains complexity as Castillo rejects official legal representation, arguing systemic bias in Peru's judicial framework. This stance echoes Ecuador's 2020 political crisis, where President Lenín Moreno faced similar institutional standoffs. However, Castillo's decision to govern by decree—a move that backfired catastrophically—distinguishes his constitutional overreach from regional precedents.
Economic factors intensified the crisis, with 72% of protesters coming from impoverished mining regions neglected by successive administrations. Social media analytics reveal #CastilloResiste gained 2.8 million impressions during the hospitalization news, underscoring persistent grassroots support despite corruption allegations. The government's response to these demonstrations—criticized by Amnesty International for excessive force—has deepened national divisions.
As acting President Dina Boluarte struggles to stabilize the nation, copper prices fluctuate amid investor concerns about Peruvian political stability. The country's constitutional court now faces mounting pressure to clarify impeachment protocols, potentially reshaping executive accountability measures across South America.
