The state of emergency will be valid for 30 days, states the country’s Minister of Defense Alberto Otarola and announces that the reason is “vandalism, violence and roadblocks”.
“The national police, supported by the armed forces, will maintain control of the entire national territory” and “above all, strategic infrastructure and the safety and well-being of all Peruvians,” Otarola said in a statement.
The imprisonment of Castillo has sparked waves of nationwide protests during which several people have died. The protesters are demanding the release of the ousted president and the removal of his successor.
The demonstrators have also demanded that a date be decided immediately for new elections for both the presidency and the parliament – but on Wednesday the newly appointed president Dina Boluartes also announced a new date for new elections: December 2023.
This after the previous proposal was rejected by the protesters. On Sunday, she stated that the election would be brought forward to spring 2024 – instead of July 2026.
Castillo was deposed and arrested after he attempted to dissolve parliament and impose emergency laws on December 7. The reason was a planned vote in parliament on whether Castillo should be removed.
Castillo is to be questioned on Thursday. After that, a decision is made whether he should continue to be deprived of his liberty, the judge states.
Castillo is charged with sedition and conspiracy.