Peru’s Former President Castillo Begins Hunger Strike From Prison Cell

Former Peruvian President Pedro Castillo launched a hunger strike on Monday to protest what he calls “injustices” in his ongoing rebellion trial. The 55-year-old announced his decision through social media with a handwritten letter signed as “president in captivity.”

Castillo faces serious charges stemming from his December 7, 2022 televised attempt to dissolve Congress and rule by decree. Prosecutors seek a 34-year prison sentence for rebellion, abuse of authority, and disturbing public peace in a trial that began March 4.

“I find myself unjustly imprisoned for acts I never committed,” wrote Castillo in his letter, also signed by his lawyer Walter Ayala. The former president specifically criticized Judge Norma Carbajal, claiming she prejudged his case by “forcing the criminal type of rebellion” against him.

Prison authorities responded swiftly to his protest. The National Penitentiary Institute labeled his refusal to eat “a serious disciplinary infraction.” It sentenced Castillo to a week in solitary confinement with suspended visitation rights.

Ayala defended his client in a radio interview, arguing that Castillo never took up arms and lacked military support for his actions. “They have imprisoned an innocent man,” said Ayala. He described the hunger strike as a peaceful protest to alert the world to Castillo’s situation.

Political Drama and Legal Battles

During earlier hearings, Castillo rejected court-appointed legal representation and tried to leave proceedings. “The only thing I did was convey the people’s desire through a political speech,” he claimed, calling the trial a “pantomime.”

Castillo, a former rural schoolteacher and union leader, stunned Peru‘s political establishment by winning the 2021 election. His attempted self-coup failed when Congress swiftly removed him from power.

Then-Vice President Dina Boluarte assumed leadership, sparking protests that left over 50 civilians dead. The case adds to Peru’s troubled history with presidential legal problems.

All living former Peruvian presidents face criminal charges, with sentences ranging from probation to decades in prison. Castillo also faces separate corruption investigations related to his brief 17-month presidency.

His lawyer stated that Castillo demands a new court to oversee his case. He also wants international organizations to intervene to protect his rights.