Justice and Human Rights Minister Jose Tello on Monday affirmed that the declaration of a state of emergency in Callao, Cusco, Lima, and Puno constitutes a measure to protect the population in situations of violence.
Tello reiterated that social protests are legitimate and that people can come out to claim what they consider to be inaction by the State. However, he emphasized that the problem is the violent people.
"Situations of violence require the implementation of these measures," the head of the Justice sector said in an interview with RPP Noticias.
Moreover, the government official explained that the Peruvian National Police (PNP) fulfills its role of maintaining internal order, with the support of the Armed Forces if police authorities are overwhelmed.
Regarding the investigations into the deaths occurred during protests held across the regions, the minister said that the Executive Branch is providing necessary facilities to the Public Ministry.
"We found that the Public Ministry is very willing to move forward with these processes, and our collaboration is extensive," he remarked.
Moreover, in line with what the
President of the Republic Dina Boluarte has said, the minister apologized to the public in case the situation has been generalized when qualifying social mobilizations at some point.
Early elections
On the other hand, Tello affirmed that the Executive Branch has no problem if Congress decides to bring general elections forward to 2023.
"We have no problem with that; we are aligned with the constitutional framework and separation of powers," he added.
Finally, the Cabinet member emphasized that the fact that President Dina Boluarte has decided not to resign is a courageous and institutional decision.
"The objective is to protect the institutional framework," he said.
(END) RMCH/RMB
Published: 1/16/2023