Peru's Former President Pedro Castillo Sentenced to Over 11 Years for Attempted Coup

Former Peruvian President Pedro Castillo has been sentenced to 11 years, 5 months, and 15 days in prison for conspiracy to commit rebellion. His conviction stems from an attempted self-coup at the end of 2022, where he sought to impose a state of exception in the country. The Special Criminal Chamber of the Supreme Court ruled that Castillo did not fully execute the crime of rebellion, as his attempt to seize power was thwarted before it could materialize. During the dramatic events leading to his arrest, Castillo attempted to dissolve Congress, intervene in the judiciary, and govern by decree, responding to an impending motion to oust him in a legislature dominated by opposition forces. Instead of seizing control, he was detained shortly after making a national address announcing his coup intentions. Upon his arrest, he aimed for refuge at the Mexican embassy, where his family sought asylum after his ousting by Congress. The court acquitted Castillo on charges of abuse of authority and serious disturbance of public order. However, he was barred from holding public office for two years and ordered to pay a substantial compensation of 12 million soles (approximately 35 million dollars) jointly with his co-defendants. The same lengthy prison sentence of 11 years and several months was also imposed on Castillo's former prime minister, Betssy Chávez, who currently remains in the protection of the Mexican embassy. For her, the court has mandated a new search and capture order. Castillo's former Minister of the Interior, Willy Huerta, received the same prison sentence, but his enforcement is postponed, contingent upon an appeal and adherence to certain behavioral guidelines. In a related series of sentencing, Aníbal Torres, a former chief advisor to Castillo and 82 years old, received a six-year and eight-month prison term. His sentence was suspended on humanitarian grounds due to age. Two former police chiefs involved were acquitted of all charges, reflecting a complex legal environment as Peru navigates the ramifications of Castillo's controversial presidency. This ruling arrives just days before the three-year preventive detention period for Castillo would have concluded, indicating a strategic timing by the authorities to prevent his release. As Peru grapples with the impact of Castillo’s presidency and subsequent legal battles, the political landscape continues to remain highly charged. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2