Political crisis in Peru: High-level talks occur amid a worsening situation

The political crisis in Peru is growing deep, forcing the authorities to hold high-level talks to find a solution. According to media reports, the Peruvian Council of State and church leaders had a lengthy discussion in the capital city of Lima. Violent protests across the country erupted following the ouster of former president Pedro Castillo on December 7.

As per media sources, at least 20 people have lost their lives since the protest began last week. Since the outbreak of the protests, two government ministers have resigned. The high-level meeting was held on Friday, after which Jose Avila, the Head of the National Board of Justice, urged the protesters to avoid violence and engage in peace talks with the government.

Avila also announced that government ministers would visit the protest-hit regions and engage in dialogue wherever possible. The worst affected by the protest are the thousands of tourists stuck inside Cusco after a group of protesters compelled the authorities to shut down the local airport.




Pedro Castillo is currently in detention on charges of rebellion and conspiracy. He was sentenced to pretrial detention for 18 months by the Supreme Court amid heavy protests by his supporters outside the court and across the country. Judge Carlos Checkley remarked that Castillo could flee and seek asylum elsewhere, thus hampering the investigation.

Following the judgment, violent clashes broke out between the military and Castillo’s supporters, leaving at least eight dead. The death of her “compatriots” compelled Education Minister Patricia Correa to resign and criticise the “state violence” for being disproportionate and causing death.

Castillo’s move to dissolve the Congress and declare a state of emergency backfired after the Congress vehemently passed an impeachment resolution against him, after which he was arrested. Peruvian lawmakers slammed Castillo’s move to install an emergency government and said it was a coup attempt.

FAQs:

1. When was Pedro Castillo impeached?
   December 7.
2. Who’s the Head of the National Board of Justice?
   Jose Avila.