Peru has extended a state of emergency for another month in the capital Lima and two southern regions, where deadly anti-government protests have sparked the country’s worst violence in 20 years.
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Peru first declared a month-long state of emergency in mid-December, shortly after demonstrations erupted over the ouster of former leftist President Pedro Castillo, who tried to dissolve Congress and rule by decree.
More than 40 people have died in violent clashes between protesters and security forces since early December.
The extended emergency measures signed by President Dina Bolwarte late Saturday, which give special powers to the police and restrict freedoms, including the right to assembly, apply to Lima and the southern regions of Puno and Cusco.
In Puno, where almost half of the victims died, the restrictions include an evening curfew from 8pm to 4am, which is due to be lifted on January 24.
Portraits of people who died during the recent protests against Bolhuarte’s government are on display during a mass at Lima’s cathedral on Sunday. (Martin Mejia/Associated Press)
Canadian travelers are urged to exercise caution
Global Affairs Canada updated its travel advisories on Sunday, warning that several major roads and highways are also affected by the state of emergency, while protests and blockades are causing transportation disruptions in many areas, including rail services, interregional buses and intercity public transit. .
Juliaca Airport in the Puno region suspended operations until further notice, and other airports experienced flight delays. Airports restricted entry to boarding pass holders only, Global Affairs said.
It warns that during the state of emergency, the police and military have the power to restrict people’s movement, monitor their communications and enter private property to carry out searches.
Global Affairs reiterated its advice to Canadians in Peru to avoid demonstrations and large gatherings and not to attempt to cross roadblocks. They should also expect to see more security personnel and follow the instructions of local authorities.
Canadians should contact their airline or tour operator to change their travel if necessary.
Roadblocks set up by anti-government protesters are seen in Desaguadero, on the border with Bolivia, on Friday. (Juan Carita/Associated Press)
The protests continue
During a march in Lima on Saturday, protesters raised red and white national flags alongside black-framed banners in mourning. They also lashed out at Boluarte, Castillo’s former vice president, who the previous day apologized for the death, calling for an investigation.
“She’s a hypocrite,” protester Tanya Serra said, speaking over shouts from the crowd, which at times clashed with police in riot gear. “She says sorry, sorry, but she doesn’t come out to talk, she sends the police, the military to go kill.”
As of January 12-13, an Ipsos Peru poll published in Peru 21 newspaper on Sunday showed 71 percent of Peruvians disapprove of Bolwarte’s government, up from 68 percent in December.
The protesters demanded that Boluarte step down and that Castillo, who was arrested for “rebellion,” be released.
Riot police stand guard in Cusco’s Plaza de Armas on Sunday as locals hold a rally in memory of more than 40 people killed in recent protests in Peru. (Ivan Flores/AFP/Getty Images)
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