PERU: Peru declared a nationwide state of Emergency Wednesday amid violent protests against the ouster of ex-president Pedro Castillo that have left seven people dead.
The announcement came as a judge ordered Castillo to remain in prison on charges of rebellion and conspiracy for another 48 hours ahead of a release hearing.
Nationwide protests and roadblocks continued Wednesday after Castillo’s arrest last week for trying to dissolve Congress and rule by decree.
Defense Minister Alberto Otarola announced the new 30-day state of Emergency due to “acts of vandalism and violence, roadblocks.”
He said the measure involved “the suspension of the freedom of movement and assembly” and could also include a night-time curfew.
The new President, Dina Boluarte, again moved to ease tensions by calling for elections to be brought forward, this time to December 2023.
On Sunday, Boluarte had already said she would seek to advance elections from 2026 to 2024, but that did not appease Castillo supporters demanding his release and early elections. Last week, a judge ordered Castillo to be held for seven days, and he was meant to be released on Wednesday.
Castillo was facing his third impeachment bid when, last Wednesday, he announced he was dissolving Congress and would rule by decree. But lawmakers went ahead and voted to sack him and he was quickly arrested while trying to flee to the Mexican Embassy and seek asylum. Boluarte, who was Castillo’s Vice President, was sworn in as his successor.
– THE HINDUSTAN TIMES
