Peru declares state of emergency due to violent protests

The Peruvian government declared a nationwide state of emergency due to violent protests in several provinces of the country following the arrest of former president Pedro Castillo.

Minister of Defense Alberto Otárola announced that the measure will last at least 30 days in an attempt to ease the demonstrations.

"It was agreed to declare a state of emergency throughout the country due to the acts of vandalism and violence, the seizure of highways and roads," said the minister.

The demonstrations began last Dec. 8 after Castillo staged a coup d'état and attempted to shut down the Congress. He was subsequently arrested by state authorities.

Otárola informed that the violent protests have so far caused seven deaths and considered that the situation requires a "forceful response" from the government and new President Dina Boluarte.

He indicated that the Peruvian National Police (PNP) "will maintain control of internal order with the support of the Armed Forces, which means the suspension of the rights of assembly and inviolability of homes, freedom of transit, personal freedom and security." The minister did not rule out a possible curfew.

The Peruvian justice system postponed until Thursday, Dec. 15, the 18-month preventive detention hearing against Pedro Castillo, who is accused of "allegedly committing the crimes of conspiracy and rebellion." Supreme Justice Juan Carlos Checkley granted the request of Castillo's defense and that of former Prime Minister Anibal Torres.