Peru extends state of emergency in capital city after protests worsen

• Peruvian President approves state of emergency measures in Lima and Puno and Cusco.
• Emergency measures give police special powers and restrict liberties like the right to assemble.
• There have been more than 40 fatalities in clashes between security personnel and protestors.

In the capital city of Lima and two southern districts where violent anti-government rallies have ignited the nation’s worst unrest in 20 years, a state of emergency has been extended for another month.

Midway through December, just after protests against the removal of former Marxist president Pedro Castillo, who had attempted to dissolve Congress and govern by decree, broke out, Peru initially declared a month-long statewide state of emergency.

Since early December, there have been more than 40 fatalities in conflicts between security personnel and protestors.

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Lima and the southern regions of Puno and Cusco are affected by the extended emergency measures, which President Dina Boluarte approved late on Saturday and which give police special powers and restrict liberties like the right to assemble.

A 10-day curfew is one of the restrictions in Puno, where over half of the victims have passed away.

The national flags of Peru, red and white, as well as banners with a black border, were raised by demonstrators during a march in Lima on Saturday. They also criticized Boluarte, Castillo’s former vice president, who had apologized for the fatalities and demanded an investigation the day prior.

Protester Tania Serra said, “She is a hypocrite,” over the yells of the throng, which occasionally pushed and shoved with police wearing anti-riot gear. “She says sorry, sorry, but she doesn’t come out to talk, she sends the police, the military to go kill.”

A survey conducted by Ipsos Peru between January 12 and 13 revealed that 71% of Peruvians disapproved of Boluarte’s administration, up from 68% in December.

Boluarte’s resignation and the release of Castillo, who was detained for “rebellion,” have been demanded by protesters.

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