Former Peruvian President Castillo sentenced to 11 years for coup attempt

Peru's Supreme Court has sentenced former President Pedro Castillo to more than 11 years in prison for orchestrating a failed coup attempt in December 2022 that sought to dissolve the nation's congress. The ruling represents the judicial conclusion to a political crisis that abruptly ended Castillo's turbulent 16-month presidency.

Judicial Verdict and Co-defendants

The court convicted Castillo of conspiracy to rebel for his December 7, 2022 actions when he announced the dissolution of Peru's congressional body and declared a nationwide state of emergency. In addition to the prison term, the former president received a two-year disqualification from holding public office for undermining Peru's constitutional order. The Supreme Court simultaneously found former Cabinet ministers Betssy Chavez and Willy Huerta, along with former presidential advisor Anibal Torres, guilty of the same crime, fulfilling prosecution requests for accountability among Castillo's inner circle.

Context of the Coup Attempt

Castillo's dramatic move to dissolve parliament came as legislators prepared to vote on his removal from office for alleged "moral incapacity." The former president was arrested the same day while reportedly traveling to the Mexican Embassy with his family, after which congress immediately proceeded with his removal from power. The failed coup attempt marked the culmination of a presidency characterized by profound political instability, including five complete cabinet changes during his brief tenure from July 2021 to December 2022.

Political Background and Acquittals

Despite the conviction on conspiracy charges, the court acquitted Castillo of additional accusations including abuse of authority and public disturbance. The former rural teacher and trade unionist had won Peru's 2021 presidential election in a runoff against Keiko Fujimori, daughter of former President Alberto Fujimori. Castillo's presidency had already survived two previous congressional removal attempts before the December 2022 crisis that ultimately ended his administration and led to his imprisonment.