Political Situation in Peru (January 19th, 2023)

On the 7th of December, then-President Pedro Castillo attempted a coup d’etat. As a consequence of this, Congress declared the vacancy of the Presidency of the Republic and, following established constitutional procedures, swore in Vice President Dina Boluarte as President of the Republic.

All institutions of the Peruvian State, including the Judiciary, the Armed Forces, and the National Police, condemned the actions of former President Castillo (now detained for the crimes of Rebellion and Conspiracy) and supported the inauguration of President Boluarte.

Even though President Boluarte’s term constitutionally ends in 2026, in light of the political situation the Government presented a bill calling for general elections in April 2024, which has been adopted in its first vote by Congress. Following the established procedures, the second vote has to take place in a second legislature that has been brought forward to February 2023. Thus, the Government of President Boluarte has a transitional character until the election of a new Congress and President of the Republic.

Protests during December 2022 and January 2023:  The mentioned events led to protests in different cities of Peru, by supporters of former President Pedro Castillo and groups that pursue other political objectives, such as the resignation of President Dina Boluarte, the dissolution of the Congress of the Republic and the installation of a Constituent Assembly.

Some protests have seen acts of violence, such as attacks on police stations, offices of the National Prosecutor and the Judiciary, airports, businesses, private homes, public transport vehicles, among others. There have been credible indications regarding the participation of organized groups in these demonstrations with the deliberate purpose of producing violence and attempting against the lives of citizens and members of the security forces.

Looking to restore public order, the Government decreed a state of emergency, for a period of 30 days (recently renewed), starting December 14, 2022, as well as a curfew in the areas most affected by violence, starting on Tuesday, January 10.

The acts of violence have produced the death of 53 civilians and 1 policeman, as well as injuries to 732 civilians and 442 police officers. The figures correspond to the registry of the Ombudsman's Office (Defensoría del Pueblo), as of January 18.

The government of Peru deeply regrets the loss of human lives. In that context, the National Prosecutor has initiated the corresponding investigations looking to determine individual criminal responsibilities.

In light of this, Peru hopes that the international community rejects any action aimed at violating the stability and democratic institutions of Peru, as well as the use of indiscriminate violence and acts of vandalism, wherever they come from.

At the request of the Government, and in accordance with Peru's human rights commitments, a delegation from the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) visited Peru from December 20 to 22, and again from the 11 to the 13 of January, where they held meetings with the Government, members of Congress, and the families of the deceased.  Likewise, a representative from the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights is visiting Peru from the 18 to the 20 of January. In addition, Peru will be reviewed in Geneva, for the fourth time, within the framework of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism of the United Nations Human Rights Council.

Government Measures: The Government of President Boluarte is undertaking actions aimed at restoring public order through an effort of national and inclusive dialogue, with the aim of reaching a consensual solution with full respect for human rights and within the framework of the Constitution and Peruvian laws.

Significant protests are expected in Lima and other parts of the country on January 19 and 20. To date, almost one hundred highway points remain blockaded in ten of Peru's twenty-five regions. At all times, the Government has called for dialogue and adopted a series of measures aimed at restoring order, respecting human rights, and seeking a consensual political solution for the benefit of all Peruvians.

Washington D.C., January 19, 2023