Anti-Boluarte protests continue in Peru

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
5 Jan 2023 14:50
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Protesters block important roadways in the southern areas of Puno, Cusco, Apurimac, and Arequipa, as well as Junin, demanding the resignation of President Dina Boluarte.

People participate in a demonstration demanding the resignation of Dina Boluarte in Lima, Peru, on January 4, 2023. (Reuters)

After a two-week hiatus, Peruvians have returned to the streets blocking roadways around the country to demand the resignation of President Dina Boluarte, who took over from her ousted predecessor in December.

Protesters blocked important roadways in the southern areas of Puno, Cusco, Apurimac, and Arequipa, as well as Junin.

In a different context, Rafael Vela, the Coordinator for Prosecutors Specialized in Money Laundering, confirmed on Wednesday that the Prosecutor's Office has fulfilled its duty of presenting the corresponding accusations in several emblematic Lava Jato-related cases, including those involving former President Ollanta Humala (2011-2016) and former First Lady Keiko Fujimori.

"The Public Ministry has completed its work after presenting its accusations," Vela told journalists.

This will allow for the oral trial phase to begin. It should be remembered that the Judiciary is in charge of the procedure in question.

According to the prosecutor, "There are 14 prosecution accusations pending possible trial" in the Lava Jato affair.

He stated that the oral trial portion of the Ollanta Humala case has already commenced.

Regarding Keiko Fujimori and the Fuerza Popular (Popular Force) party, he stated that the corresponding trial will be held soon.

Prosecutor Vela emphasized that the Judiciary has aided in the expediting of cases involving the alleged commission of money laundering crimes.

In further detail, he stated that the Prosecutor's Office is awaiting a judgment from the related superior criminal chamber on the request for the preventive arrest of former Junin area Governor Vladimir Cerron.

A flashback

In early December, Vice-President Dina Boluarte was sworn in as Peru's sixth President, after removing Pedro Castillo.

By moving the elections from 2026 to 2024, Boluarte attempted to quell the mounting resentment on the streets. However, this did not appease the enraged Peruvians.

Since then, she has said that new elections may take place as early as December 2023. "Legally it works for April 2024, but by making some adjustments we can bring them forward to December 2023," Boluarte told reporters.

Castillo's supporters have nevertheless pushed for his release and holding early elections. In order to prevent Boluarte from being elected President, his opponents are also urging that Congress be dissolved and new elections be held.