Peru govt declares state of emergency

Violent protests following ex-leader's ouster leave at least 8 people dead

LIMA — Peru's new government declared a nationwide state of emergency on Wednesday over violent protests against the ouster and arrest of former president Pedro Castillo that have left at least eight people dead.

Castillo's supporters have taken to the streets and set up roadblocks countrywide in protests that have also left 200 injured as they demand his release and the holding of early elections, the latest in a series of political crises the world's second-largest copper producer has faced in recent years.

The Andean nation plunged into crisis last week when Castillo tried to dissolve Congress and rule by decree, but was quickly impeached by lawmakers and arrested.

The new President Dina Boluarte has struggled to quell tensions, and has now called for the next election — normally due in 2026 — to be brought forward to December 2023, after an earlier bid to hold them in 2024 failed to halt the protests.

Boluarte, speaking to reporters from the presidential palace, called for peace and said "we can't have a dialogue if there's violence between us".

Defense Minister Alberto Otarola announced the new 30-day state of emergency due to "acts of vandalism and violence" and roadblocks, and said police and the armed forces "would have control of the whole territory".

He said the measure involved "the suspension of the freedom of movement and assembly" and could also include a nighttime curfew.

Boluarte's government also spoke with a slate of officials from the region on Wednesday, likely looking to shore up international support as the leader has faced criticism from some Latin American leaders, Reuters reported.

Prosecutors said on Wednesday that they were seeking 18 months of pretrial detention for Castillo, who has been charged with rebellion and conspiracy. Peru's Supreme Court met to consider the request, but later suspended the session until Thursday.