Lima: Peru's government has declared a state of emergency in the capital city Lima and three other regions - Cusco, Puno, and the port of Callao - due to 42 deaths that happened amid protests against President Dina Boluarte. Protestors had set up over 100 roadblocks in the south of the nation, the epicentre of protests.
The army is now authorised to intervene and maintain order in the next 30 days. The state of emergency suspends constitutional rights like freedom of movement and assembly.
Peru has been in a state of unrest since leftist former President Pedro Castillo was removed from office in December and detained after trying to illegally dissolve Congress in an attempt to prevent an impeachment vote against him. He is being remanded for 18 months and is charged with rebellion. His vice president Dina Boluarte, who is from the same leftwing party, replaced him. Supporters of Castillio have been protesting demanding that new elections be held.
While Boluarte apologised for the violence used to suppress protests, she asserted that she will not be stepping down and rejected the possibility of calling a constitutional assembly as demanded by protesters, reported Al Jazeera.
"Some voices that have come from the violent and radical factions are asking for my resignation, provoking the population into chaos, disorder and destruction. I will not resign. My commitment is with Peru. I cannot stop reiterating my regret for the deaths of Peruvians in these protests. I apologise for this situation," said the President in a late-night address on state TV.
Peru has seen six presidents in the last five years.