FORMER Peruvian president Pedro Castillo went on trial on Tuesday, charged with rebellion, grave abuse of authority and perturbing public tranquillity, in a case that has polarised the South American nation.

The charges stem from a failed effort by Mr Castillo to declare a state of emergency and dissolve Peru’s congress as legislators prepared an impeachment vote against him on December 7 2022.

Mr Castillo was swiftly ousted by congress and arrested after prosecutors accused him of trying to promote a coup.