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Peru's Defense Min: Extremist, violent actions cannot be deemed as protest demonstrations

Photo: ANDINA/Presidency of the Republic of Peru

Photo: ANDINA/Presidency of the Republic of Peru

09:30 | Lima, Jan. 21.

Defense Minister Jorge Chavez Cresta affirmed that extremist and violent actions cannot be considered as protest demonstrations —after condemning the attack and fire at a police station in Zepita and at the Binational Border Assistance Center in Peru's southern Puno region.

"My respect and solidarity with the National Police of Peru, not only for the professional work that they have carried out in the city of Lima on the second day, but also for the reprehensible attack and fire at the Zepita police station, in region Puno, and also to the Puno Binational Border Assistance Center officials whose warehouse suffered a fire," he expressed.

The Cabinet member lamented that extreme violence attacks had once again occurred at Arequipa city's airport, as well as at Antapaccay mining company site in Espinar province —Peru's southern Cusco region. 

"These types of extremist and violent acts cannot be deemed as protest demonstrations," he emphasized.

Likewise, the high-ranking official indicated that law enforcement goes on with the work of defending internal order.

In this specific case, the Armed Forces continue protecting critical assets and strategic infrastructure, both in Lima and other areas of the country.

Remarks were made on Friday night during a press conference at which seven State ministers provided a joint statement on the events that occurred during recent protests in Lima and other regions.

Fake news 

On the other hand, the Defense minister categorically ruled out that foreign troops had been authorized to enter the national territory —as disseminated on social networks.

The Cabinet member clarified that it is a legislative resolution on a usual procedure referred to the authorization for entry of the Juan Sebastian de Elcano Training Ship from the city of Madrid to the port of Callao, from April 15 to 20.

"These are cultural and academic exchange procedures that are carried out between the armies and navies of sister countries," he explained.

The high-ranking official also rejected that Armed Forces' tanks are being used to carry out repression activities against protesters.

"The vehicles in support and protection of our police are multipurpose vehicles, whose objective is to protect the integrity of our National Police in the face of these social conflicts," he remarked.

(END) JOT/MVB

Publicado: 21/1/2023