on Wednesday announced that, during the latest Council of Ministers session, the declaration of a state of emergency nationwide has been approved for 30 calendar days.
"We wanted to announce the latest agreement (reached) by the Council of Ministers, which is in permanent session; it was agreed to declare a state of emergency for the entire country due to vandalism and violence, highway and road blockades, which are acts that are being brought under control by the National Police and the Armed Forces," he indicated.
In remarks to the press from the Government Palace Courtyard of Honor, the
Cabinet member pointed out that a "firm and authoritative" response is given by the Government.
"In a few hours, an extraordinary edition will be published in the Official Gazette El Peruano to decree a state of emergency at the national level for a period of 30 calendar days so that the National Police maintains internal order supported by the Armed Forces," he indicated.
Minister Otarola affirmed that the declaration of emergency means the suspension of rights such as the
inviolability of homes,
freedom of transit,
freedom of assembly, and
personal security.
"In addition, the exercise of these rights and other fundamental rights set forth in the Constitution, will be protected by the Government so that citizens have peace of mind and the certainty that we will first control internal order and then ensure free transit and peace for all Peruvians," he expressed.
Concerning the possibility of declaring curfew, the high-ranking official stated that this possibility exists and it will be defined today.
"Consequently, the National Police and the Armed Forces ensure control throughout the national territory (...)," he said.