Peru has declared a state of emergency in several regions to deal with the country’s two-month political unrest, which has claimed the lives of dozens of people in clashes between protesters and security forces.
According to a mandate published Friday in the official newspaper El Peruano, the measure will be extended for another 60 days due to “continued terrorist activities and other illegal acts.”
For the armed forces to continue operations, the measure was implemented in 44 districts across the country. It suspends constitutional rights such as freedom of assembly and authorizes the military to restore public order with the assistance of police during the emergency.
The impeachment and arrest of former President Pedro Castillo on December 7 and the swearing-in of Vice President Dina Boluarte to replace Castillo sparked political unrest in the South American country.
Nationwide clashes between Castillo’s supporters and security forces have left over 60 deaths.