Peru's defense minister announced a nationwide state of emergency on Wednesday, which will take effect in the next few hours and allow soldiers to assist police in maintaining public safety after a week of fiery protests and road blockades.
were sparked by the ousting of former President Pedro Castillo on Dec. 7 in an impeachment vote. Castillo, a leftist elected in 2021, was arrested after illegally trying to dissolve the Andean nation's Congress, the latest in a series of political crises the world's second-largest copper producer has faced in recent years.
"We have agreed to declare a state of emergency throughout the country, due to the acts of vandalism and violence," Boluarte's defense minister Alberto Otárola told reporters. Since his arrest Castillo has been detained at the DIROES police facility in Lima. He called on supporters to come to the jail, saying he should be released after the initial seven-day period of pretrial detention expires later on Wednesday.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Latin America leaders ask Peru to protect ousted leader CastilloArgentina's Fernandez, Mexico's Lopez Obrador, Colombia's Petro and Bolivia's Arce sign joint statement, calling Castillo a 'victim of undemocratic harassment' and demanding 'popular will' of Peruvians be respected.
Read more »
First Alert Weather Day declared for late Wednesday into Wednesday nightWednesday into Wednesday night is a First Alert Weather Day for the chance of isolated tornadoes and localized flooding.
Read more »
Peru judge rejects Castillo's jail appeal as Mexico backs ousted leaderOusted leader Pedro Castillo urges national police and armed forces to 'lay down their arms and stop killing' protesters while Mexico says it recognises Castillo as president of Peru.
Read more »
Peru declares state of emergency amid deadly protestsPeru’s new government declares 30-day national emergency amid violent protests following the ouster of President Pedro Castillo
Read more »
Peru judge denies ousted leader Pedro Castillo's jail appealLIMA, Peru (AP) — A judge ordered ousted Peruvian President Pedro Castillo to remain in custody on Tuesday, denying his appeal as authorities build a rebellion case against him.
Read more »