Peru’s defense minister has declared a national state of emergency that will take effect within the next few hours and allow the army to help police maintain public safety after a week of fierce protests and road closures, BTA reported.
The protests were sparked by the impeachment vote of President Pedro Castillo on December 7. Castillo, a leftist politician elected last year, was arrested after trying to illegally dissolve the South American country’s Congress, another political crisis Lima has faced in recent years. Former Vice President Dina Bolwarte was sworn in after his ouster and assumed the presidency.
“We have agreed to declare a state of emergency throughout the country because of vandalism and violence,” newly appointed Defense Minister Alberto Otarola told reporters. “This requires a strong response from the government,” he said, adding that it would mean limiting some freedoms, including the right to assembly, privacy, and freedom of movement.
Yesterday, prosecutors said they were seeking 18 months in prison for Castillo, charged with rebellion and conspiracy. Peru’s Supreme Court convened to consider the request but adjourned the hearing until today.