Peru Launches 'Genocide' Probe After Deadly Protests
Facts
- Peru's attorney general's office said Tuesday it had filed investigations against Pres. Dina Boluarte on charges of "genocide, qualified homicide and serious injuries," along with Prime Minister Alberto Otárola, Defense Minister Jorge Chávez, and Interior Minister Victor Rojas.
- It also announced probes targeting former Prime Minister Pedro Angulo and former Interior Minister César Cervantes for their role in addressing the protests, both of whom served briefly in the Boluarte government.
- The investigation comes after 17 civilians were killed Monday in the southern region of Puno — marking the deadliest day of protests since the ouster of the former Pres. Pedro Castillo, who was ousted and detained in December for allegedly attempting to unlawfully dissolve Congress.
- Meanwhile, the new government won a confidence vote in Congress on Tuesday evening with a large majority. The vote is constitutionally required when a new prime minister takes office, and a defeat would force a cabinet shake-up and the resignation of Prime Minister Otárola.
- During his speech to Congress on Tuesday, Otárola announced a three-day nighttime curfew for the Puno region amid the recent deadly clashes and issued a "working mourning" for Wednesday in honor of the victims.
- At least 40 people have been killed and hundreds wounded since protests broke out in early December. In addition to early elections and the release of Castillo, protesters are demanding Boluarte's resignation and the shutdown of Congress, as well as constitutional changes.
Sources: Al Jazeera, Reuters, Guardian, Tele Sur, and DW.
Narratives
- Establishment-critical narrative, as provided by WSWS. Through its brutal actions, the Boluarte regime forfeited any legitimacy to lead the divided country. Even curfews cannot keep impoverished Peruvians from standing up for Castillo and democracy. The fury is justified since it was Washington that orchestrated the coup against Castillo to secure US corporate and geopolitical interests. It is time for US imperialism and its increasingly repressive Peruvian puppet government to accept reality and return Peru to the Peruvians.
- Pro-establishment narrative, as provided by El País. Boluarte has the right to continue Castillo's remaining term after his failed coup attempt. While most Peruvians supported Castillo's ouster and arrest, it is nevertheless true that Boluarte has so far failed to quell general public discontent and stabilize the situation. While the protests have included acts of vandalism and looting, which no government in the world would stand idly by, Boluarte must now ensure that the security forces' crackdown does not escalate further. Otherwise, her days in office are likely numbered.