Former Peruvian President Castillo alleges plot and kidnapping in court hearing

Speaking virtually from the Barbadillo prison, where he is serving 18 months of preventive detention for what is called a  failed self-coup attempt, Castillo made these remarks while a rights protection appeal presented by his defense was being analyzed.

Castillo accused the Prosecutor’s Office of colluding with the Congress and the de facto government, alleging a coordinated plan against him.

He asserted that he is not under arrest but rather kidnapped in the prison.

Judge Juan Carlos Checkley reminded Castillo that he is being held under a preventive detention order that has been legally confirmed, and the purpose of the hearing was to listen to him and address any concerns he had.

The former president, who served from 2021 to 2022, claimed that his government was the first in the country’s history to resist the influence of certain powerful groups and not comply with the demands of the press.

However, he did not provide specific details about these demands. Castillo also expressed dissatisfaction with the manner in which his right to defense is being respected.

Castillo was arrested on December 7 following what is called a failed attempt at a self-coup.

He had announced his intention to dissolve Congress, take control of the justice institutions, and establish an emergency executive power.

However, his actions were widely condemned as a coup d’état, and he was dismissed by Congress.

Dina Boluarte, who had been elected as vice-president in Castillo’s presidential ticket, assumed the position of head of state through constitutional succession.

Judge Checkley stated that he would make a decision within the legal timeframe following the conclusion of the hearing.