Sunday January 15, 2023 | 10:26 a.m.
The Peruvian government decreed a state of emergency starting this Sunday and for 30 days in the regions of Lima, Cusco, Callao and Puno, a measure that authorizes the military to intervene together with the police in the face of protests calling for the resignation of President Dina Boluarte. In five weeks, the repression of the mobilizations caused at least 49 deaths.
The measure contemplates that “the National Police of Peru maintains control of internal order with the support of the Armed Forces,” according to the decree of the Executive Power published by the official gazette.
In addition, it suspends the constitutional rights of inviolability of domicile and the freedoms of transit through the national territory, assembly and personal freedom and security.
The government decision occurs when mobilizations are announced from southern Peru to the Peruvian capital starting Monday, an action that the authorities describe as an attempt to destabilize Boluarte.
Peru has been experiencing a wave of protests since December 7, when Boluarte succeeded Pedro Castillo, who was dismissed by Congress hours after he announced the closure of the Legislature and the establishment of an emergency government with the suppression of constitutional guarantees.
The protests have so far left 42 dead (41 civilians and one police officer), in addition to the deaths of seven civilians due to traffic accidents and events related to the blockades, according to the latest balance of the Ombudsman’s Office.
In an attempt to appease the demands, in December the Parliament brought forward the elections from 2026 to April 2024, but the protesters demand the immediate departure of Boluarte and the members of Parliament through an advancement of general elections and, in some cases, the freedom of Castillo, detained in pretrial detention accused of rebellion, among other crimes.
Source: Telam
