Peru Protests: Foreign Minister Admits Demonstrations Not Backed by Criminal Groups as Dina Boluarte Claims

As Peru's protests continue, the country's foreign minister admitted that they do not have any evidence to support claims that criminal groups were backing demonstrations, contradicting its president.

In a recent interview, foreign minister Ana Cecilia Gervasi contradicted the allegations of Peru's president, Dina Boluarte, about the origin of deadly protests rocking the country, The New York Times reported.

Boluarte claimed that narco-trafficking groups, the illegal mining industry, and political activists in neighboring Bolivia organized the most violent demonstrators.

Boluarte's critics noted that her claims were designed to undermine the protests while she presented herself as the "symbol of order."

Boluarte recently accused criminals of driving Peru protests in a national address. She claimed that what was happening in Peru was "not a peaceful protest," noting that it was a violent action created by a group of radical people.

The current president of Peru described the said group of people as having an "economic agenda" based on drug trafficking, illegal mining, and smuggling.

Elected officials repeated Boluarte's claims and posted the allegations all over social networks. However, Gervasi noted that the government had no basis to support the allegations, adding that investigators are still looking at it.

President Dina Boluarte on Peru Protests

Dina Boluarte has already called for a dialogue between protesters after a clash with police left one person dead and 30 wounded.

In a press conference, the president said she called on "political leaders to calm down." Boluarte earlier said she was sure Congress would agree to move the national elections to April 2024 instead of the previously scheduled 2026.

She disregarded the idea that her possible resignation "would solve the crisis and the violence," according to Voice of America.

Boluarte once said she had no intention of staying in the position of president, adding that she would go once a general election had been conducted.

Protester Rosa Soncco from the southern Cusco region noted that they do not believe "her words anymore." In attempts to maintain order, Boluarte called a state of emergency in Peru, which allowed the army to assist police in quelling unrest.

Peru Protests

Protests in Peru started after Congress impeached its former president Pedro Castillo on December 7. Castillo was impeached and arrested for trying to dissolve Congress.

He is currently being held in pre-trial detention for rebellion charges. Castillo's presidency represented the poor population of Peru, being a leftist former teacher and political novice to the presidency in 2021.

Poor rural Andean regions were angered after Castillo was removed from the country's highest position.

Aside from Castillo's impeachment, among the factors contributing to the continuing protests is the "deep distrust of Lima politicians after years of mismanagement and infighting."

Protesters have blocked roads, taken over airports, and set some buildings ablaze. They demanded Boluarte's resignation, the closure of Congress, and a new constitution. Protesters are also clamoring for the release of Peru's former president

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Mary Webber

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