Peru’s top prosecutor has launched an inquiry into President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski and his top ministers after deadly protests last week. The protests, which started in the city of Iquitos on November 15th, have left at least 63 people dead and hundreds more injured. Kuczynski has come under fire for his handling of the situation, with many accusing him of failing to provide adequate security for protesters or take swift action to quash the violence. The inquiry is the latest move by Peruvian authorities to try and restore order following the unrest.
Peru’s president and top ministers are under investigation after deadly protests
The Lima Morning Post reports that Peru’s president and top ministers are under investigation after deadly protests took place earlier this month. The probe is being conducted by the country’s top prosecutor, who has called for a full inquiry into the causes of the unrest. Protesters are demanding new elections, while President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski has maintained that he will not step down. The demonstrations began on January 25th after several people were killed during an anti-drug operation carried out by police forces. Since then, at least 33 people have died and hundreds more have been injured.
Prosecutor launches inquiry into president and top ministers
The prosecutor general of Peru, José Ramón Villalobos, has launched an inquiry into the president and top ministers after deadly protests that took place earlier this month. The protests were sparked by the government’s proposed austerity measures, which would have increased taxes on low-income earners. Protesters demanding the resignation of President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski and his cabinet began marching in Lima on April 13th and quickly grew in size and intensity. By the end of the day, at least 15 people had been killed and more than 100 injured as riot police responded with tear gas, rubber bullets and water cannons. On April 14th, Kuczynski announced he was resigning from office to allow for a peaceful transition of power.
The decision to launch an inquiry into the president and top ministers comes shortly after a meeting between Villalobos and representatives from various civil society groups. In a statement issued after the meeting, Villalobos said that he was committed to “carry out a full investigation into all events related to [the] recent protests.” He added that he wanted “to ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.” Joining Villalobos in calling for an inquiry into the president and top ministers are leaders from the Peruvian media, political parties, trade unions, Indigenous communities, grassroots movements and other civil society organizations.
According to reports published online following the meeting with Villalobos, many participants voiced concern over what they described as widespread impunity throughout Latin American politics.
Conclusion
After deadly protests against President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski last week, Peru’s top prosecutor has launched an inquiry into the president and top ministers. This follows growing concern over why police appeared to use excessive force to stop the protests, which left at least 26 people dead. The prosecutor said that he would investigate whether any crimes had been committed in connection with the protests.
