Peru's Congress forbids president from leaving country

By Laura Gamba

BOGOTA, Colombia (AA) - Peru’s Congress on Thursday barred leftist President Pedro Castillo from leaving the country to attend the inauguration of Gustavo Petro as Colombia’s head of state.

The permission requested by Castillo received 67 votes against, 42 in favor and five abstentions during a plenary session broadcast on national television.

The Peruvian parliament is in charge of authorizing presidential trips to foreign countries, but ​​this is the first time in decades that the leader of the nation has been denied the opportunity to travel on an official mission.

The opposition-led Congress argued that Castillo is facing five investigations for alleged corruption, an unprecedented situation in the country, which is going through one of its worst crises.

The president has gone through two unsuccessful impeachment proceedings, has made more than 50 changes to his Cabinet and is facing investigations for allegedly committing crimes related to a “criminal organization.”

According to a letter sent by Castillo to Congress, the head of state's visit to Colombia would strengthen ties with the neighboring country.

"The attendance of the President at the ceremony will strengthen the historic ties of brotherhood and cooperation between the two countries, giving continuity to a bilateral work agenda aimed at identifying priority issues of common interest for the benefit of the populations of both states," said Castillo in the official letter, which was in the end dismissed.

Castillo had requested permission to leave the country from Aug. 6-8.​​​​​​​