Peru recalls ambassadors to 4 Latin American countries to negotiate court ruling to extend former president’s detention – yqqlm

Peru recalls ambassadors to 4 Latin American countries to negotiate court ruling to extend former president’s detention

Xinhua News Agency, Beijing, December 17 Peru’s new foreign minister Ana Gervasi formally recalled the ambassadors stationed in Mexico, Argentina, Bolivia and Colombia on the 15th for consultations.

Street demonstrations continue amid ongoing street demonstrations sparked by former Peruvian president Pedro Castillo, who has been impeached by Congress and is now behind bars. The same day, the country’s Supreme Court ruled to extend Castillo’s detention term.

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Gervasi did not specify what measures the Peruvian government could take in response to the aforementioned four Latin American countries.

On the 7th, the Peruvian Congress impeached Castillo for “unconstitutional dissolution of Congress and usurpation of public power”, and the police subsequently arrested him. The four aforementioned countries issued a joint statement on the 12th, expressing “deep concern” over Castillo’s impeachment and detention, saying they still recognize Castillo as the legitimate leader of Peru, and calling for the protection of Castillo’s human and judicial rights. Peru’s new prime minister Pedro Angulo expressed dissatisfaction with the statement, saying his stance “ignored reality”.

The day Castillo was impeached, then-Vice President Dina Boluarte was sworn in as president. New cabinet members, including Angulo and Hevasi, also took office on the 10th, and the new government faces the challenge of restoring internal order.

On December 7, 2022, in Lima, Peru, Dina Boluarte was sworn in as president in Congress. Published by Xinhua News Agency (Photo by Mariana Basso)

Supporters of Castillo have protested and demonstrated in many parts of the country in recent days, demanding the release of Castillo, the resignation of Boluarte and the holding of presidential and congressional elections as soon as possible. Protesters have clashed with police, resulting in the deaths of at least 14 protesters so far and the injury of large numbers of civilians and police officers.

To control the situation, on the 14th Peruvian Defense Minister Alberto Otarola announced a 30-day state of emergency throughout the country: the army will help the police maintain internal order and will be responsible for protecting the security of important structures such as airports and power plants.