Peru's Public Prosecutor's Office opens investigation of president after deadly protests

By Laura Gamba

BOGOTA, Colombia (AA) - Peru’s Public Prosecutor’s Office announced Tuesday that it is launching a preliminary investigation against President Dina Boluarte after 47 people were killed since anti-government protests began in the country in early December.

“The preliminary investigation is for the alleged crimes of genocide and aggravated homicide and bodily injuries committed during the demonstrations in December 2022 and January 2023 in the regions of Apurimac, La Libertad, Puno, Junin, Arequipa and Ayacucho,” said Patricia Benavides, the nation’s public prosecutor.

The investigation will also focus on Prime Minister Alberto Otarola as well as the interior and defense ministers, the prosecutor's office said on Twitter.

Peru has been the scene of violent demonstrations since Dec. 7, when the country’s former leftist President, Pedro Castillo, was ousted and arrested after attempting to dissolve Congress in an effort to avoid impeachment over allegations of corruption.

Protesters are demanding the resignation of Boluarte, early elections and the release of Castillo, who is serving 18 months of pre-trial detention.

At least 18 people were killed on Monday during clashes with Peruvian security forces when a mob of some 2,000 people attempted to storm the airport in the city of Juliaca, located 1,300 kilometers (807 miles) south of the capital Lima in the Puno region.

Hours before the prosecutor's announcement, the government announced a three-day nighttime curfew from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. in Puno due to rampant violence.

Otarola also confirmed that the government has declared a national day of mourning and the hoisting of the national flag at half-mast “in honor and respect to the fallen in this tragic situation.” ​​​​​​​