Peruvian government extends state of emergency amid planned protests

The Peruvian Government has announced a 30-day extension of the state of emergency on major national highways in response to planned anti-government protests.

The Prime Minister of Peru, Alberto Otárola, stated that the measure aims to ensure unhindered movement during the upcoming week, despite scheduled marches on Wednesday.

The affected areas include the Corredor Vial Sur Apurímac-Cusco-Arequipa and the Corredor Vial Interoceánica Sur, as reported by Andean radio station RPP.

The government emphasizes that public property and individuals should remain unaffected by the social protests.

Efforts are being made to safeguard the well-being of both participants and non-participants of the marches.

Vicente Romero, the Minister of the Interior, has announced that the National Police is taking preventive measures to avoid any escalation during the anticipated “Toma de Lima” (Seizure of Lima).

Romero clarified that there is no evidence of widespread participation, hence the deployment of 8,000 troops is intended to ensure secure and peaceful expressions of free speech and assembly if any marches take place.

Opposition groups, critical of President Dina Boluarte, have called for a new “Seizure of Lima” on July 19.

Similar events occurred in December 2022 and January 2023, shortly after the dismissal and arrest of former President Pedro Castillo.

Since Boluarte assumed the presidency, supporters of Castillo have taken to the streets in prolonged protests, demanding the removal of the president and the organization of fresh elections.

These protests have tragically resulted in at least 60 fatalities.

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