The Peruvian government has extended and extended a state of emergency in the country. The South American country is in a political crisis, with large-scale demonstrations against President Dina Boluarte being held for two months now. At least 48 people have already died.
Seven southern Peruvian regions – Madre de Dios, Cusco, Puno, Apurimac, Arequipa, Moquegua and Tacna – will be under the extended state of emergency, which will remain in effect for 60 days, according to a government gazette notice. The previous state of emergency only applied to three regions and the capital Lima, which is now spared.
Former president impeached
The unrest began when former president Pedro Castillo was impeached in December. Demonstrators demand that his successor Boluarte resign, that new elections be held and that Castillo be released from prison. A national state of emergency was already declared in December, which was extended in mid-January.
Castillo, a former village teacher, wanted to prevent a vote of no confidence in early December and dissolved parliament. But that decided to put him out of his position. He was arrested on charges of attempted coup.
The new measure authorizes the military to support police actions to restore public order. It also suspends constitutional rights such as freedom of movement and assembly.
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