First modification:
Peruvian President Pedro Castillo asked to activate the Inter-American Democratic Charter. In a surprising message on television, Castillo reiterated that there is an attempted “coup d’état” through the constitutional complaint filed by the prosecution against him for an alleged case of corruption.
The Inter-American Democratic Charter is a regional document for the defense of institutionality approved by the OAS and in force for two decades. Its objectives include confronting “threats to democratic governance” in the region.
“My government has requested before the OAS the activation and application of the Inter-American Democratic Charter to start a process of consultations with all the political forces, the powers of the State and the social forces,” Castillo announced on Wednesday.
The president emphasized that this will serve “to find, with the good offices of the international community, a path that prevents a serious alteration of the democratic order in Peru.”
The prosecution’s complaint against Castillo is being evaluated by Congress, dominated by the right, and could lead to a political impeachment trial and the exit of the president if accepted.
It is the second time in his 15 months in power that Castillo has asked to activate the Democratic Charter. The previous one occurred in February, but the government did not specify its request.
Never had a Peruvian president in office been denounced. Although Castillo enjoys immunity and can only be sent to trial at the end of his term, he can be investigated.
The thesis of the prosecution is that Castillo leads an alleged criminal organization within the government, of which his political and family environment are part.
