Peru: State of emergency in Tumán extended for 30 days July 12 /update 1

Event

On Wednesday, July 12, Prime Minster Fernando Zavala extended the state of emergency in Tumán, Chiclayo province for 30 days.

A 30-day state of emergency was initially declared on Tuesday, June 13, across the northwestern district of Tumán due to major protests organized by workers of a sugar processing factory. Under the state of emergency, multiple constitutional rights are temporarily suspended, including freedom of assembly.

Context

Around 200 military personnel were deployed June 13 across the area to support police efforts to contain the protests, as clashes between protesters and police officers resulted in six people injured and 16 more arrested.

The protest movement in Tumán has been ongoing for over three months. Since June 12, dozens of protesting workers have been arrested and injured in confrontations with police forces. Protesters are denouncing the decision by a Chiclayo court that ruled in favor of Grupo Oviedo, the management firm of the Lambayeque sugar company. Workers claim that Grupo Oviedo is taking government protection after bankrupting the company.

Advice

Individuals present in Tumán are advised to monitor developments to the situation and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.