Peru: Authorities extend state of emergency in La Libertad from July 19; major protests planned for multiple cities July 19 /update 41

Event

Authorities have announced a 30-day extension of the state of emergency in La Libertad Department from July 19. 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. The declaration will last until at least Aug. 18.

A comparable state of emergency has been issued for several highways across Peru for at least July 13. The decree widens the existing mandate from the South-Apurimac-Cusco-Arequipa Highway Corridor and the South Interoceanic Highway Corridor to the following national highways:

• Pan-American Highway North (Highway 1A)

• Pan-American Highway South (Highway 1B)

• Central Highway (Highway 22)

• Route of the Liberators (Via Los Libertadores, Highway 28A)

• Fernando Belaunde Terry Highway and Federico Basadre Highway (Jungle Road North, Highway 3N)

• Binational Highway from Puno to Tacna

The decree also declares all departmental and regional highways to be under a state of emergency. The mandate includes all areas within 0.5 km (0.3 miles) of such routes. Emergency measures may apply to other highways.

Similar emergency declarations are in place for Puno Department until at least Aug. 4, where officials have given the military 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 actions in which protesters will march to Lima and hold major demonstrations in the capital beginning July 19. The actions aim to denounce the government of President Dina Boluarte. Protest leaders estimate that at least 13,000 people will participate in the demonstrations; officials plan to deploy 8,000 police officers in Lima to monitor the protests.

Organizers have also announced planned demonstrations in other cities throughout Peru, including the following regions:

• Apurimac

• Arequipa

• Ayachucho

• Cajamarca

• Cusco

• Huanuco

• Ica

• Junin

• La Libertad

• Lambayeque

• Piura

• Puno

• San Martin

• Tumbes

Protests are likely in major cities in these regions in other locations nationwide. Within Lima, previous gatherings occurred in the main squares, such as Plaza San Martin and Plaza Dos de Mayo, and on Avenida Abancay; these areas will likely see renewed demonstrations beginning July 19. 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

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 he is still legally president. In response, Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Honduras, and Mexico issued statements 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 over December 2022-January 2023; 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.