Castillo Faces Over 3 Decades in Prison for Failed Power Grab That Sparked Deadly Unrest in Peru
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Former Peruvian President Pedro Castillo faces 34 years in prison for attempting to dissolve Congress in 2022, which prosecutors labeled a "coup d'etat".
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Castillo was Peru's first president from a rural background without ties to the elite. He was locked in a power struggle with Congress.
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Castillo tried to temporarily dissolve Congress to "reestablish democracy", but lawmakers voted to remove him instead.
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Castillo argues he's the victim of a right-wing conspiracy between the opposition and attorney general.
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Castillo's removal sparked deadly protests that new President Dina Boluarte cracked down on, resulting in around 50 deaths. She faces a probe but currently has immunity.