Judge Silences Pedro Castillo for Political Propaganda During Court Hearing

Former Peruvian President Pedro Castillo was silenced by the court during a judicial hearing after he used the proceedings to engage in political proselytism and express support for Roberto Sánchez.

The incident occurred during a session of the trial concerning the failed coup d’état attempt of December 7, 2022. According to reports from La República, Gestión and Expreso, the presiding judge ordered Castillo’s microphone to be turned off after the former president began delivering political propaganda instead of adhering to the legal proceedings.

Confrontation in the Courtroom

During the hearing, Pedro Castillo entered into a tense exchange with Judge Norma Carbajal, the president of the tribunal. The conflict escalated when Castillo questioned the legitimacy of the trial and accused the magistrate of acting with partiality.

Castillo claimed that Judge Carbajal had contaminated the trial and asserted that she lacked authority. He further alleged that the Prosecution was presenting accusations that it could not prove.

Rechazo este juicio y quiero dejar constancia. Yo soy presidente de la República, no me pueden silenciar ante el país. Díganme dónde encontraron las armas. Mi abogado público no tuvo tiempo de prepararse; yo no tengo para pagar un abogado privado

Pedro Castillo

The audio was cut by the court while Castillo was attempting to accredit himself, which the tribunal determined was the appropriate moment for that specific procedural step rather than for political statements.

Political Appeals and Allegations

Beyond his criticisms of the Peruvian judiciary, Castillo used his time before being silenced to make international appeals. He invoked the presidents of Colombia, Chile, Bolivia, and Brazil, suggesting a move toward conflict.

The former president also reiterated his support for Roberto Sánchez during the appearance, a move that contributed to the judge’s decision to mute his microphone for performing political propaganda during a judicial session.

Castillo’s defense of his position included claims that 90% of the population rejects the judiciary and that the magistrates were attempting to silence the truth.

Legal Context of the Trial

The proceedings are centered on the events of December 7, 2022, when Pedro Castillo attempted to execute a coup d’état. The current trial seeks to determine legal responsibility for those actions.

The courtroom atmosphere remained volatile as magistrates repeatedly requested that the former president take his seat and maintain silence following his outbursts against the court’s authority and the legitimacy of the legal process.