Peru Supreme Court Sentences Ex-President Castillo to Over 11 Years for 2022 Self-Coup
Peru’s Supreme Court has sentenced former President Pedro Castillo to 11 years, 5 months, and 15 days in prison for his failed attempt to dissolve Congress on December 7, 2022, an act deemed a self-coup. The Special Criminal Chamber ruled that Castillo’s televised announcement constituted a clear usurpation of power. Former Prime Minister Betssy Chávez received an 11-year sentence, while former Chief of Staff Aníbal Torres was sentenced to 6 years and 8 months, with his term suspended pending appeal. Former Interior Minister Willy Huerta received a sentence identical to Castillo’s. The court also ordered the convicted officials to pay 12 million soles in civil reparations to the state. Although prosecutors sought a 34-year term, the final verdict was significantly lower. Castillo remained calm during the sentencing at the Barbadillo prison complex. His supporters have denounced the ruling as politically motivated, claiming it represents revenge against his administration. The defense is expected to appeal the decision to the Permanent Criminal Chamber, marking a pivotal moment in Peru’s recent political history and highlighting the ongoing institutional fallout from the 2022 crisis.
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Peru Supreme Court Sentences Ex-President Castillo to Over 11 Years for 2022 Self-Coup
Peru’s Supreme Court has sentenced former President Pedro Castillo to 11 years, 5 months, and 15 days in prison for his failed attempt to dissolve Congress on December 7, 2022, an act deemed a self-coup. The Special Criminal Chamber ruled that Castillo’s televised announcement constituted a clear usurpation of power. Former Prime Minister Betssy Chávez received an 11-year sentence, while former Chief of Staff Aníbal Torres was sentenced to 6 years and 8 months, with his term suspended pending appeal. Former Interior Minister Willy Huerta received a sentence identical to Castillo’s. The court also ordered the convicted officials to pay 12 million soles in civil reparations to the state. Although prosecutors sought a 34-year term, the final verdict was significantly lower. Castillo remained calm during the sentencing at the Barbadillo prison complex. His supporters have denounced the ruling as politically motivated, claiming it represents revenge against his administration. The defense is expected to appeal the decision to the Permanent Criminal Chamber, marking a pivotal moment in Peru’s recent political history and highlighting the ongoing institutional fallout from the 2022 crisis.
Perú Reports