Andina

Peru: Oral trial of former President Castillo over coup attempt continues

Photo: ANDINA/Luis Iparraguirre

Photo: ANDINA/Luis Iparraguirre

10:43 | Lima, Mar. 13.

The Special Criminal Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice on Thursday continues the oral trial against former President Pedro Castillo, who is accused of the alleged crime of rebellion.

The hearing began without Castillo, who was taken to the Social Health Insurance System's (EsSalud) Hospital II Vitarte due to a decompensation, according to the National Penitentiary Institute (INPE).

The ex-Head of State, who is being held at Barbadillo Prison in Lima's Ate district, is on a hunger strike in protest against the oral trial over his failed coup on December 7, 2022.

Additionally, the court-appointed lawyer assigned to Castillo reported that his client once again rejected public defense.

The attorney also requested that the hearing be suspended due to the former president's health condition.

This request is being evaluated by the court.

On March 10, Pedro Castillo declared a hunger strike in protest against the "injustices" which, he claims, are being committed against him.

In a handwritten statement, he denied committing the crimes for which he is being tried and questioned one of the judges on the tribunal for "having expressed a prior opinion" against him.

As a result, the National Penitentiary Institute (INPE) initiated an administrative disciplinary process against him, leading to his isolation and the suspension of visits.

The institute states that refusing to eat as an act of protest or defiance constitutes a serious disciplinary offense under the Penal Execution Code.

The Other Accused

As co-authors of the crime of rebellion, the case also includes former Prime Minister Betssy Chavez Chino, Anibal Torres Vasquez, former Interior Minister Willy Huerta Olivas, as well as former Peruvian National Police (PNP) officers Manuel Lozada Morales, Justo Venero Mellado, and Eder Antonio Infanzon Gomez (the latter currently in Switzerland).

As previously stated, the Public Ministry (Prosecutor's Office) has requested a 34-year prison sentence for Castillo Terrones, along with a civil reparation payment of S/65,419,038.53 (US$17.78 million) in favor of the Peruvian State.

For the other defendants, the Prosecutor's Office is seeking 25 and 15 years in prison, as well as a joint civil reparation payment of S/64,419,038 (US$17.51 million) to be paid by those convicted.

During the investigation phase, a total of 65 documentary pieces of evidence and testimonies from over 69 witnesses were admitted, in addition to forensic, handwriting, and other expert analyses.

Additionally, three expert witnesses admitted by both the prosecution and defense will participate, along with 16 pieces of conventional evidence and a total of 75 evidentiary documents from all parties involved.

The Special Criminal Chamber has scheduled trial sessions three times per week (Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays), initially in person at Barbadillo Prison, located in Lima's eastern Ate Vitarte district.

The case against Castillo Terrones stems from his attempt to breach constitutional order on December 7, 2022, when he ordered the dissolution of Congress and the reorganization of the Judiciary, the Public Ministry, and other institutions.

(END) CVC/MVB

Published: 3/13/2025