Peru declares state of emergency in Lima over protests against president
- Measure, in force for 30 days, authorises army to intervene to maintain order and suspends constitutional rights including freedom of movement and assembly
- Protests against President Dina Boluarte have claimed at least 42 lives in recent weeks, but she has refused to step down
Peru’s government late on Saturday declared a state of emergency in the capital Lima and three other regions due to protests against President Dina Boluarte that have claimed at least 42 lives in recent weeks.
The measure, in force for 30 days, authorises the army to intervene to maintain order and suspends several constitutional rights such as freedom of movement and assembly, according to a decree published in the official gazette.
Supporters of ousted president Pedro Castillo have marched and barricaded streets across the South American country since December, demanding new elections and the removal of Boluarte.
On Friday night, she refused to step down, saying in a televised address: “My commitment is with Peru.”
The state of emergency covers Lima, the regions of Cusco and Puno, as well as the port of Callao, adjacent to the capital.
More than 100 protest roadblocks were in place across Peru on Saturday, mainly in the south, which has been the epicentre of the unrest, and also around Lima.
The airport in Cusco, gateway to the famed Machu Picchu site in southern Peru, reopened on Saturday after being shuttered over a flare-up in the protests.