Peru's president testifies in hearing over deaths during anti-government protests

By Laura Gamba

BOGOTA, Colombia (AA) - Peruvian President Dina Boluarte testified on Tuesday before the National Prosecutor's Office in Lima in a hearing on the deaths of dozens of demonstrators during anti-government protests from December 2022 until the end of January.

The social outburst that followed the ouster of President Pedro Castillo left at least 49 people dead, according to the Peruvian Ombudsman's Office.

Protesters demanded the resignation of Boluarte and to bring forward elections set for 2026 to April next year.

The Peruvian head of state took over on Dec. 7 following the impeachment and arrest of Castillo after he tried to dissolve Congress and rule by decree.

Boluarte is being investigated for the alleged crimes of genocide and aggravated homicide committed by the authorities during the demonstrations in the regions of Apurimac, La Libertad, Puno, Junin, Arequipa and Ayacucho.

"I will answer all the questions. I will not invoke my right to remain silent because I believe that the first person who wants to know the truth about what happened to those who died in those violent protests is Dina Boluarte," she said at a press conference.

If she is formally accused, she will not be put on trial until 2026, when her term ends.

After almost three hours testifying before the Attorney General, Patricia Benavides, the president did not make any statements to the media.

She is the sixth person to occupy the presidency in five years in Peru, a country in permanent political instability.