Peru: Military takes control of critical infrastructure

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Police in the historic center of Lima: The military should also secure critical infrastructure in the future

Photo: Lucas Aguayo Araos / dpa

Protests against the ouster of Peru's President Pedro Castillo continue.

Now they have called the military into action.

As Defense Minister Alberto Otarola announced on Tuesday, the armed forces should take over control of important infrastructure in order to ensure their protection.

According to Otarola, the military should be used to protect airports and hydroelectric power plants, for example.

In addition, a state of emergency is to be imposed on the country's motorway network to ensure free traffic.

In southern and southeastern Peru, where Castillo has a particularly large number of supporters, there have been violent protests against his dismissal and clashes between demonstrators and the police in recent days.

The protesters are demanding the resignation of Castillo's successor, Dina Boluarte, the dissolution of parliament, early new elections and the release of the imprisoned ex-president.

According to Human Rights Ombudsman Eliana Revollar, several people were killed by gunfire during clashes with police, including two minors.

Air and train traffic in various parts of the Andean country was suspended after demonstrators attacked some airports.

In addition, the police presence on the streets of the capital Lima was increased.

Castillo was removed from office last week and taken into police custody.

He is accused of wanting to dissolve parliament to avoid impeachment.

Vice President Dina Boluarte was then sworn in as the new head of state.

After the death of two teenagers during protests, Boluarte announced on Monday that he wanted to bring forward the elections, which were actually scheduled for 2026, by two years to April 2024.

Castillo remains in custody

The deposed president must remain in custody after a court decision on Tuesday.

An appeal by Castillo was denied by the country's highest court.

According to the Peruvian broadcaster RPP Notícias, judge César San Martín Castro was of the opinion that the investigations into Castillo's allegations of rebellion were justified.

This criminal offense is not only fulfilled in the case of an armed uprising, but also in the attempt to abolish the democratic order and to concentrate all political power in one hand.

fek/dpa/Reuters