(VOVWORLD) - Peru’s government on Sunday declared a state of emergency in Lima and nearby regions following weeks of protest against President Dina Boluarte.
 Peru police use tear gas to clear protests in Cusco, Peru, on January 11, 2022. (Photo: AFP) |
The declaration, in force for 30 days, authorises the army to intervene to maintain order and suspends the rights of travel and assembly.
Peru is experiencing a serious socio-political crisis since President Pedro Castillo suddenly announced the dissolution of the Congress, the forming of an emergency government, and a call for new legislative elections.
The move was strongly opposed by the Constitutional Court, the Supreme Court, and Peruvian congressmen, who saw it as an attempted coup d’etat.
On December 7, 2022, the Peruvian Congress voted to remove Castillo. The same day, Vice President Dina Boluarte was sworn in as interim president, becoming the first female president in the history of Peru. Castillo was detained.
Demonstrations have left at least 42 people dead. Protesters have called for a nationwide strike, the convening of a constitutional council, closing of the Congress, the resignation of President Boluarte, the release of Castillo, early elections, and promulgation of a new Constitution.