Peru: Authorities extend state of emergency in La Libertad Department as of June 20 /update 39

Event

As of June 20, authorities have extended the state of emergency declared in La Libertdad Department through at least July 18. The state of emergency comes as civil society organizations plan to hold protest marches to Lima, with the goal of arriving in Lima on July 19.

As of June 20, the following states of emergency remain in effect:

• South Apurimac-Cusco-Arequipa Highway Corridor and South Interoceanic Highway Corridor: Through at least July 13

• La Libertad Department: Through at least July 18

• Puno Department: Through at least Aug. 4

Under the state of emergency declarations, some constitutional rights are suspended, such as the right to be free from warrantless searches, the right to free transit, and the right to free association. The declarations also allow the armed forces to assist the police in law-enforcement activities such as policing protests. In Puno Department, the military has been given direct command of all security operations.

Though protests have mostly subsided outside Puno and other rural areas of southern Peru, renewed demonstrations are likely across the country as protest leaders plan what they term "the Third Takeover of Lima," a series of demonstrations in which protesters will march to Lima and hold major demonstrations in the capital beginning July 19. Protest leaders have said that they estimate that at least 13,000 people will participate in the demonstrations; officials plan on deploying 8,000 police officers in Lima to monitor the protests.

While organizers have not announced specific locations for the protests, demonstrations in provincial capitals, especially in southern Peru, are likely ahead of the July 19 date. Within Lima, past gatherings occurred in the main squares, such as Plaza San Martin and Plaza Dos de Mayo, as well as on Avenida Abancay; these areas are likely to see renewed demonstrations beginning July 19, and additional protests are possible elsewhere in the city.

Heightened security and associated business and transport disruptions are likely during demonstrations. Further clashes between protesters and police, as well as between supporters of rival political parties, are possible.

Context

The unrest began shortly after the Dec. 7 arrest and removal from office of then-President Pedro Castillo, who was ousted just hours after he announced that he would illegally dissolve Congress, establish a new emergency government, and implement a nationwide curfew. Following the president's arrest, Vice President Dina Boluarte was sworn in as the new president, nullifying Castillo's earlier announcement.

While Boluarte is permitted to remain in office until 2026, when Castillo's term was due to end, she has called for elections in 2023 to appease demonstrators. However, Congress has repeatedly rejected proposals to hold early elections this year, further angering protesters. Meanwhile, Castillo has released statements in which he refuses to recognize Boluarte's presidency, insisting that he is still legally president. In response, Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Honduras, and Mexico issued communiques recognizing Castillo as the legitimate president of Peru, causing Peru to recall its ambassadors to those countries and expel the Mexican ambassador. A judge ordered Castillo to be jailed for up to 36 months as prosecutors build a case against him.

Protests were particularly violent in Apurimac, Arequipa, Ayacucho, Cusco, and Puno departments. At least 60 people died in the unrest.

Advice

Avoid all protests as a precaution. If violence occurs, immediately leave the area and seek shelter in a secure, nongovernmental building. Do not attempt to navigate around roadblocks; wait for the police to dismantle them or take alternative routes. Reconfirm all transport reservations. Heed the instructions of security personnel. Maintain contact with diplomatic representations.