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Peru has extended a state of emergency for another month in the capital Lima and two southern regions where anti-government protests have sparked the country’s worst violence in 20 years.
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Peru first declared a month-long national state of emergency in mid-December, shortly after demonstrations broke out over the impeachment of former leftist president Pedro Castillo, who had tried to dissolve Congress and rule by decree.
More than 40 people have been killed in violent clashes between protesters and security forces since early December.
The emergency measures signed by President Dina Boluarte last Saturday, which give the police special powers and limit freedoms including the right to assemble, apply to Lima and the southern regions of Puno and Cusco.
In Puno, where almost half of the victims have died, the restrictions include a curfew from 8 pm to 4 am, which will be lifted on January 24.
Canadian travelers are urged to be cautious
Global Affairs Canada updated its travel advice on Sunday, warning that some roads and highways are also affected by the state of emergency, while protests and roadblocks have caused transportation disruptions in many areas, including rail, inter-regional and inter-city public bus services. . transportation.
Juliaca Airport in the Puno region has suspended operations until further notice, and other airports are experiencing flight delays. Airports are restricting entry to those with boarding passes, Global Affairs said.
It warns that during a state of emergency, the police and military have the power to restrict people’s movements, monitor communications, and enter private property to conduct searches.
Global Affairs advised Canadians in Peru to avoid demonstrations and large gatherings, and not to try to cross road blockades. They should also expect to see more security force personnel, and follow the instructions of local authorities.
Canadians should contact their airline or tour operator to change their travel arrangements, if necessary.
The protest continued
In a march in Lima on Saturday, protesters raised a red and white national flag along with a black banner as a sign of mourning. He also attacked Boluarte, Castillo’s former vice president, who the day before apologized for his death while calling for an investigation.
“They are hypocrites,” said protester Tania Serra, speaking of the shouting crowd, who at times jostled with police in riot gear. “He said thank you, sorry, but he didn’t come out to talk, he sent the police, the military to kill.”
In January 12-13, a poll by Ipsos Peru published in the newspaper Peru 21 on Monday showed that 71 percent of Peruvians disapproved of the Boluarte government, up from 68 percent in December.
The protesters demanded that Boluarte resign, and Castillo, who was arrested for “rebellion”, was released.
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