Pedro Castillo hospitalized after hunger strike amid rebellion trial

In Peru, former President Pedro Castillo was taken to a hospital from prison on March 14, 2025, following a hunger strike he began three days prior in protest of his ongoing rebellion trial. Castillo, aged 55, has been in detention since December 7, 2022, when he announced the dissolution of Congress during a televised address and sought to rule by decree, leading to his immediate removal from office. His trial is politically charged, and the prosecution is aiming for a 34-year prison sentence for him. Castillo has openly described the proceedings as a 'pantomime' and has rejected the legal counsel offered to him by the judicial system, claiming he merely voiced the people's desires during his speech. The consequences of Castillo's actions sparked widespread unrest across the country, resulting in significant protests and turmoil following his ousting. Following his transfer to the hospital due to health concerns related to his hunger strike, which were noted to include a fluid-electrolyte disorder and mild dehydration, the Peruvian corrections agency cited his strike as a violation of prison regulations. This led them to restrict his visitation rights and place him in isolation to enforce prison rules. Castillo’s situation has gained international attention, further complicated by his requests for protection from the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights against the sanctions imposed by the corrections system. Castillo served as a rural school teacher with no political background when he won the presidency in 2021. His rise to power encountered immediate challenges that intensified after he attempted to dissolve Congress. The reaction from the government and the people has polarized opinions, with significant protests emerging in response to his removal. This upheaval resulted in numerous fatalities amid the clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement. Additionally, apart from the rebellion trial, Castillo is under scrutiny for potential corruption related to his presidency. This dual threat of judicial proceedings against him seems to underscore a tense political atmosphere in Peru that remains divisive. As Castillo continues to reject the legitimacy of the legal actions taken against him, the future of his trial and the management of protests incited by his supporters could significantly impact Peru's political landscape moving forward.