"Persevere in our struggle to free our homeland from the criminal claws threatening our future," the former president said.
On Thursday, former Peruvian president Pedro Castillo demanded his immediate release and reinstatement, marking one year since his provisional detention on charges of rebellion and conspiracy.
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On Dec. 7, 2022, Castillo announced the dissolution of Congress and the establishment of a government to rule by decree. This move received no support from any party or the military.
Subsequently, he was removed by the Legislature and arrested while heading to the Mexican embassy. Castillo was later sent to prison with a provisional detention valid up to 2025.
Since then, his defense lawyer has filed five habeas corpus petitions with the Constitutional Court in an attempt to achieve his release.
During a public hearing on Dec. 4, Castillo requested the nullification of the proceedings against him. The Constitutional Court is expected to rule on the petitions filed by his lawyers.
Boluarte is fully embracing Peru's ruling class, a reversal from Castillo. She is taking a short-term approach of buying capital with the elite, considering Peru has a high turnover rate for its presidents. We shall see if her policy will prolong her term. https://t.co/SM7SInmboe
— Joseph Weiman (@jweiman_nyc) December 8, 2023
Castillo emphasized that he never took up arms and his actions were not coordinated with anyone. He also asserted that his removal resulted from a conspiracy between the Congress and the Prosecutor's Office, which was investigating him for alleged corruption.
"A year ago, Peru witnessed the kidnapping I suffered at the hands of criminal groups that now exercise corrupt control over our country. They usurped my people's will by snatching away their votes. These groups massacred the people when they rose in protest."
"Peruvians, let's keep the flame of hope alive, persevere in our struggle to free our homeland from the criminal claws threatening our future. Here, no one gives up! Freedom and reinstatement!" Castillo posted on social media.
On Thursday, hundreds of Peruvians took to the streets to protest against President Dina Boluarte, who was appointed a year ago by Congress after Castillo's removal.
Lima and other cities in the southern part of the country witnessed protest marches, occurring one day after the release of former dictator Alberto Fujimori and the suspension of Prosecutor Patricia Benavides.
#FromTheSouth News Bits | Peru's Penitentiary Institute (INPE) complied with the Constitutional Court's order to release former dictator Alberto Fujimori, accused of crimes against humanity and corruption during his 1990-2000 term. pic.twitter.com/lJrMtMEB4s
— teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) December 8, 2023