Peru: Pedro Castillo arrested after attempting coup d'état

This Wednesday, Dec. 7, Pedro Castillo was arrested a few hours after ordering the dissolution of Congress to establish a "national emergency government" and call for new parliamentary elections.

The former president of the country was intercepted on public roads and transferred to a headquarters of the prefecture in Lima. Earlier today, he gave a televised speech where he decreed an emergency government in addition to a reorganization of the judicial system and a curfew in the country. These attempts came as Castillo tried to avoid a third motion of no confidence and ultimately his own impeachment.

The former leader also declared that all citizens who had illegal "arms" in their possession had to hand them over to the National Police within a maximum period of 72 hours.

However, Peru's justice system moved forward and managed to arrest Pedro Castillo. Not only that, but the parliament resolved to fill presidential vacancy and swore in Vice President Dina Boluarte to be the new president of Peru.

The attempt on Twitter

Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador defended Pedro Castillo, stating that his adversaries led him "to make decisions" that led to his dismissal.

The Secretary General of the OAS, Luis Almagro, expressed his support for Dina Boluarte as the new president of Peru.

Boluarte makes history, becoming the first female head of state in Peru.

Dina Boluarte arrives at the Government Palace.

José Williams, president of Congress, announces the restitution of democratic and constitutional order.

Boluarte, in her first speech as leader of the nation, called for unity among Peruvians and condemned Pedro Castillo's attempt.

Peru's new president demands an investigation with "quick results".

Bolurte promised to take over the nation's leadership until "July 28, 2026."

The Secretary General of the OAS, Luis Almagro, highlighted the "imperative need" to restore democracy in Peru.

The Organization of American States (OAS) decided to hold a special session of its Permanent Council to discuss the events in Peru.

The president of the Community of Madrid in Spain expressed support for the Peruvian people following Pedro Castillo's failed coup attempt:

The Peruvian Congress shared its resolution on Castillo's presidential vacancy.

Spanish journalist and political expert Cayetana Alvarez de Toledo commented on the coup d'état in Peru and other recent events of the Hispanic left, including Spanish President Pedro Sanchez as well as the trial of Argentina's Vice President Cristina Kirchner.

New images have been published of Castillo (blue jacket) being detained after his coup attempt.

Hermann Tertsch, Spanish MEP, spoke out against Castillo's "anti-democratic" actions. He also took the opportunity to express solidarity with the Peruvian people.

The U.S. Embassy issued a statement on the events rejecting "any act" that is outside the Peruvian Constitution.

Canal N reported that the former president was being held at the Second Police Region of Lima, located on Avenida España in Lima.

Below is the moment when Castillo's arrest was confirmed. The president was reportedly intercepted on the street while in a gray car.

Peruvian citizens reportedly helped block access to the Mexican embassy, following rumors of Castillo's escape attempts.

The Congress announced that at 3:00 pm Vice President Dina Boluarte would be sworn in to assume leadership of the country.

Canal N reported that Pedro Castillo has already been detained by the National Police.

The Congress approved with 101 votes the impeachment of Pedro Castillo.

Attorney General Patricia Benavides expressed her opinion and urged respect for the constitution.

The National Justice Board (Junta Nacional de Justicia - JNJ) came out against the coup d'état and reminded the country that "no one owes obedience to a usurper government".

"The JNJ will maintain its full constitutional powers," said the authorities.

Benji Espinoza, the president's lawyer, also announced the termination of his duties following "a rupture of the constitutional order."

Several ministers decided to resign from their posts, including: Minister of Foreign Affairs César Landa, Minister of Labor Alejandro Salas, and Minister of Economy Kurt Burneo.