To curb pro-Castillo protests, Peru declares nationwide emergency

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
14 Dec 2022 23:09
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The national state of emergency in Peru will last for 30 days.

Peru declares nationwide state of emergency

The government of Peru on Wednesday proclaimed a 30-day nationwide state of emergency, to prevent protests that spurred since President Pedro Castillo was removed from office last week on accusations of insurrection and conspiracy.

"A state of emergency has been declared for the whole country, due to the acts of vandalism and violence, the seizure of highways and roads, which are stabilizing (...) and require a forceful and authoritative response," said Alberto Otarola, Peru's Minister of Defense.

The suspension of a number of rights, including the freedom of assembly, the inviolability of one's home, and freedom of movement, as well as the potential for nighttime curfews, will result from the declaration of a state of emergency.

Peruvian protesters demand immediate elections

Vice-President Dina Boluarte was sworn in as Peru's sixth president, after removing 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.

A judge in Lima denied Wednesday Castilo's release from jail, as prosecutors filed a request that he remain in prison for 18 months of pre-trial detention.

At least seven protesters have died amid anti-government demonstrations over the past several days.

Yesterday, Castillo called on police and the military to "stop killing" protesters demanding his release after violent clashes between security forces and demonstrators left seven people dead in recent days. "I will never give up and abandon this popular cause that brought me here," the leftist Castillo said during a court hearing.

"From here I would like to urge the armed forces and national police to lay down their arms and stop killing these people thirsty for justice."

He slammed his arrest as unjust and arbitrary.