Peru: Authorities extend state of emergency in Puno Department June 4 /update 38

Event

On June 4, authorities extended the state of emergency in Puno Department through at least Aug. 4. The extension comes amid an increase in protest activity in Puno, with anti-government protesters holding a strike and blocking highways in late May; authorities have since dismantled roadblocks.

As of June 4, the following states of emergency remain in effect:

• La Libertad Department: Through at least June 18

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

• Puno Department: Through at least Aug. 4

The extension allows the armed forces to remain in command of all security operations in Puno Department through Aug. 4. In other areas under states of emergency, the police command security operations, though the military may assist them. Under all the state of emergency declarations, some constitutional rights are suspended, such as the right to be free from warrantless searches, free transit, and free association.

Though protests have mostly subsided outside Puno and other rural areas of southern Peru, renewed demonstrations are possible throughout the country. Activist groups plan to renew demonstrations June 14; protests will likely concentrate in the southern departments of Apurimac, Ayacucho, Arequipa, Cusco, and Puno.

Activists also plan to stage a new round of demonstrations in Lima, the capital, beginning July 19; while organizers have not announced specific protest locations, past gatherings in Lima occurred in the main squares, such as Plaza San Martin and Plaza Dos de Mayo; 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.