Peru’s Former President Pedro Castillo Sentenced to More Than 11 Years in Prison

Peru’s Supreme Court has handed down an 11 year prison sentence to former president Pedro Castillo, marking another dramatic chapter in the country’s turbulent political landscape. Castillo, a leftist leader who rose from rural poverty to the presidency, was convicted for attempting to dissolve Congress and rule by decree in an effort to prevent his impeachment.

Castillo’s time in office was brief but intensely polarising. He had never previously held elected office and entered the presidency in 2021 as a symbol of change for many poorer and rural Peruvians. Supporters saw him as a break from decades of political elites, while critics argued that he lacked experience and struggled to govern effectively. Throughout his 16 months in power, Castillo was locked in constant battles with an opposition dominated Congress that frequently sought to limit his authority.

The tensions came to a head in December 2022. Facing yet another impeachment attempt, Castillo announced that he was dissolving Congress and would rule by decree. The move was quickly condemned as unconstitutional, and within hours he was removed from office, arrested and detained. His attempt to sidestep the impeachment process ultimately became the core of the charges that led to his conviction.

Castillo’s sentence adds him to a long list of former Peruvian leaders who have faced criminal prosecution after leaving office. The country has experienced repeated political upheaval, with corruption investigations, power struggles and public mistrust shaping its recent history. Several past presidents have been jailed or investigated, reinforcing a pattern of instability that analysts say reflects deeper institutional challenges.

For many Peruvians, Castillo’s rise and fall illustrates the ongoing divide between urban elites and rural voters. He frequently accused Congress of trying to maintain its grip on power at the expense of ordinary citizens. His supporters argue that he was targeted by political opponents from the moment he entered office, while critics maintain that his actions showed a disregard for constitutional order.

The Supreme Court’s ruling closes one chapter but leaves many debates unresolved. Peru’s political system continues to face criticism for internal conflict and a lack of cooperation between branches of government. The country has cycled through multiple presidents and crises in recent years, making long term stability elusive.

Castillo’s legal team is expected to appeal the decision, and his supporters have already voiced outrage, calling the sentence politically motivated. Meanwhile, the current administration faces the challenge of restoring public confidence while navigating ongoing economic and social pressures.

The conviction marks a significant moment in Peru’s political history, highlighting both the consequences of overstepping constitutional boundaries and the deep frustrations that continue to shape the country’s governance.