Peru's former leader known as 'president of the poor' receives 11-year sentence for attempted coup

Peru's Supreme Court on Thursday handed former leftist President Pedro Castillo a prison term exceeding 11 years for trying to dissolve Congress and govern by decree in an effort to prevent his impeachment. Castillo, often called the country's first poor president, was a rural schoolteacher with no prior elected experience before winning the presidency.

He was removed from office by Congress and detained following his December 2022 attempt to seize control. During his 16 months in office, Castillo frequently clashed with a Congress dominated by opposition parties, accusing them of safeguarding elite interests.

The ruling comes a day after another left-wing former president, Martin Vizcarra, received a 14-year sentence for accepting bribes while serving as a regional governor. Vizcarra joins two other ex-presidents in a special penitentiary for former leaders east of Lima, including Ollanta Humala (2011-2016) and Alejandro Toledo (2001-2006).

Castillo, 56, was also held at this facility while his trial proceeded in a courtroom next to the prison. The former trade unionist, who took office in 2021 pledging to improve conditions for Peru's poor, attempted to dissolve Congress to avoid impeachment over alleged corruption. His effort failed when members of his own administration resisted, an action prosecutors described as an attempted coup.

The Supreme Court convicted Castillo of "conspiracy to commit rebellion" against state authorities and the constitutional order, while acquitting him of charges of abuse of power and disturbing public order. His sentence totals 11 years, five months, and 15 days in prison, far below the 34 years sought by prosecutors.

Castillo was detained while attempting to reach the Mexican embassy with his family to seek asylum. His wife and two children have lived in exile since then. Supporters gathered outside his prison Thursday, protesting the verdict. Julia Buendia, 54, stated, "We are suffering for our president because he didn't steal a single sol. An innocent man is imprisoned here. We demand justice."

Former Prime Minister Betssy Chavez, accused as Castillos co-conspirator, received an 11-and-a-half-year sentence. Before her trial concluded, she was granted asylum by Mexico, straining relations with Peru, which severed diplomatic ties over perceived interference. Interim President Jose Jeri has not dismissed the possibility of a police operation to apprehend her at the embassy.

Castillos arrest and removal triggered widespread protests in 2022 among his rural, working-class supporters, resulting in at least 50 deaths during the crackdown. His successor, former Vice President Dina Boluarte, governed for 22 tumultuous months marked by security crises before her own impeachment in October. She was succeeded by Jeri, the then-speaker of Congress.

Peru has experienced political instability since 2016, with seven presidents in office: three removed by Congress, two resigning, and one completing an interim term.

Analysis: The Political Fallout of Pedro Castillo's Conviction

The conviction of former President Pedro Castillo on charges of conspiracy to commit rebellion marks a significant turning point in Peru's recent political crisis. His 11-year prison sentence not only reflects the legal consequences of his attempt to dissolve Congress and evade impeachment but also highlights the broader instability that has plagued the country in recent years. The Supreme Court's decision follows a period of intense political polarization and unrest, during which Castillo's supporters clashed with the state over accusations of corruption and authoritarianism.

Castillo's rise to power as a rural schoolteacher without prior political experience was seen as a beacon of hope for the marginalized poor. However, his presidency quickly became a battleground between the executive and the opposition-dominated Congress, leading to accusations of mismanagement and authoritarian tactics. His ultimate attempt to dissolve Congress in December 2022, while an unprecedented move in Peru's democratic history, underscored the deepening divide between the president and the political elites. The failed coup attempt, which led to Castillo's arrest, was viewed by many as a desperate attempt to hold onto power at all costs.

In the wake of his removal from office, Peru has witnessed significant unrest, particularly among rural and working-class communities that viewed Castillo as their representative. The ongoing protests and his supporters' claims of his innocence underscore the stark divisions within Peruvian society. As seen in the aftermath of his trial, these protests have continued, with some even calling for his immediate release. Nevertheless, the legal proceedings have set a precedent for holding leaders accountable for unconstitutional actions, irrespective of their political affiliations.

The broader context of Castillo's conviction is tied to a long period of political volatility in Peru. With seven presidents in office since 2016, the country has struggled to establish political stability. The constant turnover of leadership has led to a fragile democratic system, where accusations of corruption and misconduct are frequently leveled against public officials. The recent convictions of other former presidents, such as Martin Vizcarra, only serve to reinforce the idea that Peru's political landscape is deeply entrenched in corruption and power struggles.

While Castillo's sentence may offer a temporary sense of justice to those seeking accountability, it also raises significant questions about the future of Peru's democracy. The political instability, combined with ongoing protests and economic challenges, paints a troubling picture for the country's ability to move forward. The key challenge moving forward will be whether future leaders can learn from the mistakes of the past and build a more cohesive, accountable government that serves the interests of all Peruvians.

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• Peru's ousted 'president of the poor' gets 11-year sentence for coup bid