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Who was ‘China Baby’? Teen TikToker Fabiola Caicedo’s Dismembered Body Found in Peru Plant

July 2, 2025, 2:26 pm

The body of 19-year-old TikTok star Fabiola Alejandra Caicedo Pina, also known as ‘China Baby,’ was found clogging the river filtration grid of a water plant in Lima, Peru. Panamericana reports that cops found her mutilated corpse during their routine inspection of the plant.

Who was Fabiola Alejandra Caicedo Pina?

Originally from Venezuela, Pina was a teenage TikTok star with around 5,000 followers on the platform. As reported by Argentinian outlet Infobae, her body was found four days after she posted her last video. Forensic teams identified her remains by her tattoos, including one on her back that read “Paula Sophia” with a date.

Pina’s body parts were found on June 9, some caught in the plant’s river filtration network, El Comercio reported. Video captured crews recovering her remains last month, although some body parts remain missing.

Family members explained that Pina fled Venezuela as an underage person to live with her then-boyfriend, Meiner Jimenez Castillo. “She never told us she was leaving. She just left, and that was it,” a family member disclosed to La Republica.

In 2022, Castillo took his own life. His family had reportedly since blamed Pina for being involved in his death and allegedly bullied her online.

Investigation Underway

Peru’s National Police, which is investigating the case, described the violence of Pina’s murder as characteristic of methods employed by human smuggling gangs. But to date, no suspects have been named in her murder.

Strong Earthquake Hits Peru, Leaves One Dead and Five Injured

June 16, 2025, 7:39 am

A strong 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck Peru on Sunday. It killed one person and injured five others. Additionally, the tremor triggered landslides across several areas of Lima, according to officials.

The quake hit just before noon. According to the National Seismological Center, the epicenter was about 30 kilometers from Callao, a port city near Lima. However, the U.S. Geological Survey recorded the quake at a slightly lower magnitude of 5.6.

Wall Collapse Kills One Person

As a result of the quake, a wall collapsed onto a car in Lima. The National Police confirmed that the incident killed one man. Meanwhile, local TV station Latina broadcasted videos of landslides in different parts of the capital.

No Tsunami Warning Issued

Fortunately, the quake did not cause a tsunami. Authorities confirmed this soon after the tremors. President Dina Boluarte addressed the public and urged calm. She assured, “the Pacific coastline was not under threat.”

Major Football Match Suspended

Due to the quake, officials suspended a major football match in Lima. This decision came as a precaution to protect players and fans.

Peru Lies in a High-Risk Seismic Zone

Peru, which has a population of 34 million, lies on the Pacific “Ring of Fire.” This region experiences frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. On average, Peru records more than 100 noticeable quakes each year.

In comparison, a 7.5-magnitude quake struck the Amazon region in 2021. That event injured 12 people and destroyed over 70 homes. However, Peru’s deadliest earthquake occurred in 1970. That disaster killed around 67,000 people in the northern Ancash region.

Nazca Lines Protection Reversal: Peru Reinstates Safeguards Amid Criticism

June 11, 2025, 2:29 pm

Peru has triggered a Nazca Lines protection reversal following intense public backlash over its decision to shrink the protected area surrounding the ancient geoglyphs. The original reduction had sparked concerns from environmentalists and archaeologists who warned it would expose the sacred site to informal mining threats.

Public Criticism Triggers Nazca Lines Protection Reversal

On Sunday, Peru’s culture ministry restored the full 5,600 sq km (2,200 sq mile) protection zone, which it had slashed to 3,200 sq km in May. Officials had initially justified the cuts by citing more accurate data that identified zones with “real patrimonial value.” However, widespread criticism sparked a swift Nazca Lines protection reversal. The ministry also committed to forming a new technical panel to evaluate long-term land use. This group will include academic specialists, government representatives, archaeologists, and UNESCO officials.

More than 800 vast animal, plant, and shape drawings span the Nazca Lines, which people carved into the desert over 1,500 years ago. These geoglyphs stand among Peru’s most iconic cultural treasures and UNESCO recognised them as a World Heritage Site in 1994. Critics warned that reducing their protective buffer would invite illegal gold mining and environmental degradation, especially as global gold prices surged to new highs.

Mining Threats Spark Urgent Action to Protect Nazca Lines

The Peruvian Ministry of Energy and Mines estimates that 362 small-scale miners operate within the Nazca district under a regularisation program. However, many fear a rise in illegal activities. Former culture minister Luis Jaime Castillo warned that illegal mining and mineral processing plants already infest the area.

The Nazca Lines protection reversal seeks to stop further damage. Although the government previously faced pressure to support small-scale mining, experts argue that preserving cultural heritage must take priority.

A new round of assessments will soon determine whether any land changes can occur without risking the site. Until then, the restored boundaries remain in effect, offering renewed confidence in the protection of Peru’s archaeological legacy.

Peru Pushes For High-Level Talks With China, Brazil To Boost Bi-Oceanic Railway Plan

May 27, 2025, 2:49 am

Peru’s Ministry of Economy revealed on Monday that it plans to seek a high-level summit with China and Brazil to step up efforts on a planned bi-oceanic railway project.

In an official release, Economy Minister Raul Perez Reyes had recently met with China’s ambassador to Peru, who proposed that a summit between leaders of the countries may serve to provide a collective roadmap for the regional railway project.

The ambitious plan foresees a railroad from Brazil through South America to a new port on Peru’s Pacific shore. The strategic corridor would form a direct trade link between China and Brazil, avoiding usual maritime routes like the Panama Canal and the continent’s southernmost tip.

The planned railway is considered as an important step towards improving South America’s infrastructure and strengthening regional trade relationships, specifically with China, one of the region’s biggest trading partners.

India’s FM Nirmala Sitharaman Heads to IMF-World Bank Meetings, Business Talks in Americas

April 20, 2025, 7:41 am

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has started an 11-day official trip to the United States and Peru. Her visit includes attending global economic meetings and engaging with top business leaders, the finance ministry confirmed on Saturday.

Stops in US: IMF-World Bank Meets, Stanford Talk, and CEO Meetings

During her US visit, Sitharaman will attend the Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. She will also take part in the second G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) meeting.

From April 22 to 25 in Washington, she will join key events such as the Development Committee Plenary, the IMFC Plenary, and the Global Sovereign Debt Roundtable (GSDR).

Alongside these events, she plans to hold bilateral talks with finance ministers from countries including the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Argentina, Bahrain, Luxembourg, and Saudi Arabia. She will also meet officials like the EU Commissioner for Financial Services, Presidents of the ADB and AIIB, and the IMF’s First Deputy Managing Director.

Before heading to Washington, she will stop in San Francisco. There, she will attend a CEO roundtable with global fund managers and hold meetings with heads of major IT companies.

She will also deliver a keynote speech at Stanford University’s Hoover Institution on April 20. In addition, she will engage with the Indian community at a diaspora event in San Francisco.

Peru Visit: Strengthening Trade and Mining Partnerships

Sitharaman will make her first official visit to Peru from April 26 to 30. She will lead a high-level Indian delegation including finance officials and business leaders.

In Lima, she plans to meet Peru’s President Dina Boluarte and Prime Minister Gustavo Adrianzén. She will also hold talks with Peru’s Ministers of Finance and Economy, Defence, and Energy and Mines. These meetings aim to boost bilateral trade and economic cooperation.

The Finance Minister will chair the India-Peru Business Forum during her visit. Indian and Peruvian business leaders will explore opportunities for partnership.

The statement noted that Peru plays a crucial role in the global supply chain of key minerals and metals. The two sides are expected to discuss joint efforts in mining to enhance India’s resource security and build stronger value-chain links between their economies.

Community Interaction in Lima

To end her Peru visit, Sitharaman will meet the Indian diaspora in Lima and attend a community event to connect with Indian-origin residents living there.

Spanish Conqueror Pizarro’s Statue Returns To Peru, Sparking Debate Colonial Legacy

January 20, 2025, 12:45 am

A towering bronze statue of Francisco Pizarro, the Spanish conquistador who led the defeat of the Inca Empire, has been reinstalled near its original location in Lima’s main square after a 22-year absence. The seven-tonne, five-meter-tall sculpture was unveiled on Saturday during the 490th anniversary celebrations of Lima’s founding.

The statue of Pizarro on horseback with a drawn sword was inaugurated again yesterday by Lima’s far-right mayor Rafael Lopez Aliaga and Isabel Diaz Ayuso, the regional president of Madrid from Spain’s conservative People’s Party. The ceremony, staged under tight security with the main square closed to the public, intended to rehabilitate the controversial legacy of Pizarro.

Diaz Ayuso has faced the public, declaring the statue represents “the birth of a city and the beginning of a historic encounter that transformed the world.” According to her, the fact that the return of the statue is to the center of Lima is respect for the history of this city.

This reinstatement has raised polarized sentiments in a nation still struggling with its colonial legacy. Pizarro is such a divisive leader, who captained the abduction and execution of the Inca emperor Atahualpa back in the 16th century by ransoming him for gold and silver. The conquest of Cusco as the capital of the Inca, and in 1535 the founding of Lima as the capital of Spanish Viceroyalty until its independence in 1821 by Peru, are indeed the most debatable chapters of the history of Peru.

Protesters at the rally, some playing traditional Andean instruments and chanting slogans such as “Out with Pizarro” and “genocide,” denounced the event. Former presidential candidate Yonhy Lescano condemned it on social media, praising indigenous heroes like Tupac Amaru and Micaela Bastidas who resisted Spanish rule, saying, “We stopped being a colony long ago.”

Despite the opposition, the statue remains as a symbol of the complicated and sometimes painful history of colonialism in Peru.

Peru Declares Environmental Emergency After Oil Spill In Pacific Ocean

December 27, 2024, 2:04 am

On Thursday, the government declared an environmental emergency in the aftermath of a crude oil spill that happened last weekend at a terminal along Peru’s north coast near the Talara refinery. It occurred as the state oil company, Petroperu, conducted the pre-shipment process by a vessel.

The amount of oil spill is not revealed yet but the environmental watchdog OEFA estimated that around 10,000 square meters of seawater has been tainted, affecting at least seven local beaches and endangering coastal wildlife.

Peru’s Ministry of the Environment declared emergency for 90 days to ensure proper management of the area and implementation of cleanup and restoration efforts.

Petroperu has been organizing clean-up initiatives since the spill, deploying brigades, boats, drones, and monitoring equipment to prevent further environmental damage. It also coordinated with fishermen and authorities from the province to minimize the impact it could have on the area’s economy and tourism.

However, the local fishermen have complained of lack of response and economic losses. In Lobitos, fisherman Martin Pasos was very frustrated and shared his views saying that they could not go to work for six days. According to him, the situation is chaotic as the oil company has failed to give them support in earnest.

The authorities have confirmed a significant amount of damage to the coastal ecosystems, including plants and marine life like crabs. The spill has caused much concern about the long-term environmental impact and the effect on local livelihoods.

Officer ‘Grinch’ Stole Christmas From Alleged Peruvian Drug Leaders | WATCH

December 25, 2024, 1:03 pm

Just a few days before Christmas, in Lima, a Peruvian police officer dressed as the Grinch, the infamous antagonist of Dr. Seuss’s ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’, carried out a dramatic raid in the capital. Three suspects from a suspected drug trafficking ring were arrested during the raid, which took place in the San Bartolo area, and are said to belong to the “La Mafia de San Bartolo” gang. This was made known to the public through a video by the Peruvian National Police. The police officer, fully dressed in a Grinch costume, used a sledgehammer to break down the door during the raid.

Watch:

A police officer dressed up as the Grinch took down a massive drug operation in Peru ? pic.twitter.com/0gTRwx3heQ

— Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) December 24, 2024

After entering, the team found there illicit drugs and other trafficked materials. On platform X, under the social media post section, law enforcement shared about the success of the operation: “In an ingenuous operation, agents of the Green Squad arrested the aliases La Reina del Sur, La Coneja, and Pote.” A police report described the gang as being “dedicated to drug dealing.“During the raid, authorities confiscated several drugs.

Video footage catches the Grinch-dressed police officer searching the house and finding the illegal drugs. According to the U.S. State Department, Peru is the world’s second-largest producer of cocaine after Colombia, and most of its cocaine is either consumed within the country or smuggled to Europe, the United States, and East Asia.

This creative way of performing law enforcement is not novel in Peru. In October 2023, police wear costumes like those of horror movie celebrities, including Freddy Krueger and Jason Voorhees, to apprehend suspected drug dealers in another raid. Peru’s National Police have frequently employed innovative tactics to undermine the functions of drug trafficking organizations, testifying to their continued drive to eliminate the drug industry.

Two World Collided: Biden To Meet Xi In Peru For High-Stakes Final Talks As US President

November 14, 2024, 12:23 pm

US President Joe Biden is set to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in Lima, Peru, on Saturday, marking the last of their in-person meetings during Biden’s presidency. The two leaders will gather on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, five days after their last face-to-face encounter at the same summit in 2023.

Diminishing Power as Biden Prepares to Depart Office

With Biden’s second term nearing its end, his political influence has waned, while Xi is already looking ahead to challenges with incoming US President Donald Trump. Trump, who has promised to intensify his trade war with China, aims to impose heavy tariffs on Chinese imports. Biden’s team has declined to comment on whether the president will address Trump’s policies during his meeting with Xi, or discuss the transition plans.

Stability and Predictability Key Themes for Biden

National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said the main focus of the meeting will be on maintaining “stability, clarity, and predictability” in the US-China relationship during the transition period. Biden is expected to underscore the importance of sustaining open communication channels and addressing critical issues like China’s support for Russia and ongoing cybersecurity concerns.

Military, Counter-Narcotics, and AI: Areas of Diplomacy Progress

Biden will highlight the progress made in military-to-military communications, counter-narcotics efforts, and artificial intelligence (AI) during their previous meetings, especially those that have reduced tensions between the two countries. Despite the challenging landscape, Biden is expected to showcase his administration’s strategy of “intense diplomacy” in its dealings with China.

Cybersecurity Concerns and Chinese Hacking Allegations

The meeting comes on the heels of an alleged Chinese hack of US telecommunications networks, which the intelligence community is investigating. The cyber attack, attributed to a Chinese hacking group known as Salt Typhoon, infiltrated American telecom systems and targeted both the Trump campaign and Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign. Biden is likely to raise the issue of cyber-enabled espionage in his talks with Xi, warning that such attacks will lead to further decoupling of US and Chinese technology.

Future US-China Relations Under Trump

Looking ahead, US-China relations could face new turbulence. President-elect Trump has appointed several hardline officials, including Marco Rubio as Secretary of State and Mike Waltz as National Security Advisor, both known for their tough stance on China. These appointments signal potential shifts in policy that could complicate the diplomatic ties that Biden’s administration has worked to stabilize.

Ongoing US-China Disputes

The Biden administration continues to challenge China on multiple fronts, including the South China Sea, Taiwan, and Ukraine. It has also imposed new technology restrictions, added tariffs, and placed a ban on Chinese electric vehicles. While Biden’s team emphasizes the importance of communication, they recognize that managing the US-China relationship will remain a key task for the next administration.

As Biden’s term comes to a close, both leaders are preparing for a delicate meeting that could set the tone for future relations between the two superpowers.

Former Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori Dies At 86

September 12, 2024, 1:56 pm

Death and Legacy

Alberto Fujimori, Peru’s controversial leader from the 1990s, has passed away at 86. He died at his daughter Keiko Fujimori’s home in Lima, following a battle with cancer. The news was confirmed by Keiko, who asked for prayers for his eternal rest.

Controversial Tenure

Fujimori, who governed Peru from 1990 to 2000, remains a polarizing figure. Praised by supporters for his role in curbing the Shining Path insurgency and stabilizing the economy, he also faced severe criticism for human rights abuses and corruption. His presidency is marked by accusations of authoritarian rule and widespread corruption.

Legal Troubles and Pardon

In 2009, Fujimori was convicted of kidnapping and murder, receiving a 25-year prison sentence for his role in human rights violations. He was granted a humanitarian pardon and released in December 2023, despite international human rights objections.

Political Impact

Fujimori’s legacy continues to influence Peruvian politics. His daughter, Keiko Fujimori, has followed in his footsteps with a prominent role in right-wing politics. Despite his departure, the debate over his impact on Peru’s political and social landscape endures.

Photos Reveal Uncontacted Mashco Piro Tribe In Peruvian Amazon

July 17, 2024, 5:50 pm

Rare images of the Mashco Piro, an uncontacted Indigenous tribe in the remote Peruvian Amazon, have been released by Survival International. It has captured dozens of the tribe members on the banks of a river near areas where logging companies hold concessions. These sightings have become more frequent as the reclusive tribe appears to be fleeing the increasing presence of loggers, according to Fenamad, a local Indigenous rights group.

The photographs, taken at the end of June, show the Mashco Piro on the banks of a river in the Madre de Dios region of southeastern Peru, near the Brazilian border. Caroline Pearce, director of Survival International, noted the significance of the images, stating, “These incredible images show that a large number of isolated Mashco Piro live alone a few kilometers from where the loggers are about to start their operations.”

In recent days, over 50 Mashco Piro individuals were seen near the Yine village of Monte Salvado, with another group of 17 appearing near the village of Puerto Nuevo, according to Survival International. The Mashco Piro, who live between two natural reserves in Madre de Dios, typically avoid contact with others, including the Yine.

Several logging companies have timber concessions within Mashco Piro territory. One such company, Canales Tahuamanu, has constructed more than 200 kilometers (120 miles) of roads for timber extraction, according to Survival International. Despite requests, a Canales Tahuamanu representative in Lima did not comment. The company is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council and holds 53,000 hectares (130,000 acres) in Madre de Dios for cedar and mahogany extraction.

The Peruvian government reported on June 28 that local residents had spotted Mashco Piro on the Las Piedras River, 150 kilometers from Puerto Maldonado, the capital of Madre de Dios. Rosa Padilha of the Brazilian Catholic bishops’ Indigenous Missionary Council in Acre state mentioned sightings of the Mashco Piro across the border in Brazil. “They flee from loggers on the Peruvian side,” she said, noting that the tribe often appears on beaches to collect tracajá (Amazon turtle) eggs, leaving behind turtle shells and footprints.

Padilha emphasized the constant state of unrest for the Mashco Piro, saying, “They are a people with no peace, restless, because they are always on the run.”

These sightings underscore the ongoing challenges faced by uncontacted tribes in the Amazon, as their traditional lands are increasingly encroached upon by logging and other activities.

Body Of A Mountain Climber Discovered In Peru After 22 Years

July 10, 2024, 5:06 pm

Police have found the well-preserved body of American mountaineer William Stampfl, who was buried by an avalanche 22 years ago while climbing Mount Huascarán in the Andes. The body was discovered in the Ancash region near a camp at 5,200 meters (17,060 ft) above sea level on Friday. Stampfl, 58, was identified through his climbing gear, driver’s license, and passport.

In 2002, Stampfl, a civil engineer born in Austria, was climbing with friends Matthew Richardson and Steve Erskine. Erskine’s body was found shortly after the avalanche, but Richardson remains missing. Stampfl’s body was brought down the mountain and placed in a morgue in Huaraz.

The discovery is part of a trend where melting glaciers, due to global warming, reveal bodies previously buried in ice. Edson Ramirez, a park ranger at Huascarán National Park, explained that the region’s glaciers have been retreating for about a decade, causing long-buried remains to surface.

Peru is home to about 68% of the world’s tropical glaciers, which are highly vulnerable to climate change. A government report indicated that Peru has lost 56% of its tropical glaciers over the last 60 years. Many of these glaciers are in the Cordillera Blanca, where Mount Huascarán is located, drawing thousands of climbers each year.

In a related incident, the body of an Israeli hiker was found in the same region in May, a month after he disappeared. This ongoing glacial melt continues to uncover long-hidden remains.

China And Peru Forge A New Negotiation Upgrading Free Trade Agreement

June 29, 2024, 2:29 pm

China and Peru have reached a significant milestone in their economic partnership, achieving a “substantial conclusion of negotiations” on upgrading their free trade agreement, according to Chinese state media on Friday.

During a meeting in Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Peruvian President Dina Boluarte discussed enhancing cooperation in key sectors such as minerals, energy, manufacturing, and agriculture, as reported by state broadcaster CCTV.

The original free trade agreement, signed in 2009, has significantly boosted Peruvian exports. Building on this foundation, the leaders signed several new agreements to further strengthen bilateral ties. Among these agreements is a deal on Peruvian grape exports to China and a memorandum of understanding establishing a Peruvian-Chinese Business Council.

China stands as Peru’s top investor and the primary market for its copper, with Peru being the world’s third-largest producer of the red metal. “China’s interest in key sectors of the Peruvian economy, such as mining, infrastructure, and energy, is fundamental to national development plans, while ongoing investments are a source of employment and a promise of progress,” Boluarte stated.

During her visit to China this week, Boluarte met with executives from several companies and extended an invitation to Xi to inaugurate the Chancay “megaport” in November. This major infrastructure project on Peru’s coast is being developed by the Chinese company Cosco Shipping.

Xi is expected to travel to Peru in November for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, a significant event that represents nearly half of the world’s trade. The upcoming summit and the upgraded trade agreement underscore the deepening economic ties between China and Peru, promising further growth and cooperation in the future.

Earthquake Of 7.2 Magnitude Hits Peru, Faces Tsunami Threat

June 28, 2024, 3:16 pm

South American country Peru was hit with an earthquake of 7.2 Magnitude at central coast on Friday, announced the United States Geological Survey.

As per USGS, the tremor were felt from 8.8 kilometers (5.5 miles) from Atiquipa district. Later, it resulted in the increase of magnitude rating, following earthquake.

Watch the Video

#LoUltimo ?

↪️ Momento exacto del temblor en Chala, Caravelí, Arequipa.

Imágenes captadas de una cámara de seguridad.#Arequipa #Temblor #Terremoto #Sismo Tsunami pic.twitter.com/yeaqSPiw3M

— Jóvenes Unidos Perú (@JovenesUnidosP) June 28, 2024

Furthermore, the strong shake was felt in areas near the epicenter. Earlier, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre, had earlier announced, that tsunami threat has been issued for some coasts.

But they passed the warning saying, ‘There is no longer a tsunami threat from this earthquake.’

Every year, Peru faces dozens of earthquakes or tremors, as this country is located in Pacific ring of fire, which records a huge seismic activity along the west coast of Americas.

‘Alien Mummies’ Found In Peru Are Centuries Old Dolls | Viral Study

June 25, 2024, 1:55 pm

A recent study has cast new light on the mystery of the ‘alien mummies,’ suggesting that these unusual corpses found in Nazca, Peru, are actually centuries old and of ‘Earthly origins’. Discovered by farmers in a cave in Nazca, Peru, these corpses, characterized by three fingers and three toes, have been the subject of intense debate since their discovery in 2017.

Researchers from St. Aloysius Gonzaga National University in Ica, Peru, have now claimed that these specimens bear similarities to humans, indicating that they are biological creatures. This assertion contrasts with earlier findings by forensic experts from Peru’s prosecutor’s office, who suggested that the objects found in the Nazca region were modern creations made from paper, glue, metal, and human and animal bones.

Flavio Estrada, a forensic archaeologist who led the initial analysis, concluded earlier this year that the objects were modern creations and not of extraterrestrial origin. He stated, “They are not extraterrestrial, they are not aliens,” noting that they were assembled with modern synthetic glue using animal bones from Earth.

The recent study from St. Aloysius Gonzaga National University in Ica highlights that these creatures lack eyes, have heads much larger than humans, and are approximately 1,700 years old. The study’s findings reveal, “Tomographic imaging analysis has shown that the specimen is a human-like body whose biological structures are similar to humans, but there are many differences such as lack of hair and ears, elongated skull and enlarged cranium which was found to be 30% larger than humans.”

If confirmed as a new human species, this discovery could have significant implications for biology, science, and socio-cultural history. The study suggests that these findings challenge long-held beliefs and could prompt a reevaluation of our understanding of human history. The scientific community’s response to these claims will be closely watched in the coming days.

Amid violent clashes, Peru extends ‘State of Emergency.’

January 17, 2023, 4:50 pm

Amid ongoing violent clashes in Peru which erupted last month following the ousting of former President Pedro Castillo, a ‘State of Emergency’ in the country has been extended. Anti-government protests began in Peru in early December following the removal and arrest of then-president Pedro Castillo shortly after his attempt to illegally dissolve Congress.

On 14^th January 2023, President of Peru Dina Boluarte apologized for the deaths reported in Peru due to the protests. The emergency by the government was extended to the capital Lima as well as regions of Cusco, Puno and the Callao constitutional provinces. “I cannot stop reiterating my regret for the deaths of Peruvians in these protests. I apologise for this situation,” she said.

Peru’s police earlier on Friday announced the arrest of Rocio Leandro, a union leader from the south-central Ayacucho region with supposed links to Maoist rebels, who is accused of financing the protests and recruiting demonstrators.

30-day state of emergency declared in parts of Peru amid violent protests

January 16, 2023, 1:17 pm

State of emergency status has been declared in Peru’s capital Lima and three additional districts. The emergency will last for 30 days and give the Peruvian army the right to step in and restore order. Several fundamental rights, including the right to assemble and to move about freely, are suspended during the emergency.

The directive has been made public in the government journal. Since December, protesters led by followers of deposed president Pedro Castillo have marched and blocked streets around Peru, calling for fresh elections and the ouster of incumbent leader Dina Boluarte.

The new 30-day measure was announced on Wednesday by Alberto Otarola, the defence minister of Peru. He said it includes “the restriction of freedom of movement and assembly” and would include a curfew because of “acts of destruction and violence,” such as roadblocks.

Peruvian defence minister Alberto Otarola announced the new 30-day measure on Wednesday, which he said involved “the suspension of freedom of movement and assembly” and could include a curfew due to “acts of vandalism and violence”, including roadblocks.

“The National Police with the support of the Armed Forces will ensure the control throughout the national territory of personal property and, above all, strategic infrastructure and the safety and wellbeing of all Peruvians,” the minister said.

At least 42 people have been murdered in battles with security forces throughout the rallies, including a police officer who was burnt alive in a car. Hundreds more have also been injured.

Protestors being arrested by the Police.

However, the international airport of Cusco has been reopened by authorities as it is crucial for Peru’s tourism industry. Castillo’s fellow left-wing party member, President Boluarte, has stated she would not resign.

Castillo requested his supporters to visit the police station where he is being held on Wednesday in the late afternoon, saying that he should be freed after the initial seven-day period of preliminary custody, which expires later that day.

“Enough already! The outrage, humiliation and mistreatment continues. Today they restrict my freedom again with 18 months of pretrial detention,” he wrote in a message posted on Twitter. “I hold judges and prosecutors responsible for what happens in the country.”

Peru has faced political instability in recent years, with Boluarte, 60, the sixth person to hold the presidency in five years. Castillo, who was being investigated in several fraud cases during his tenure, has been remanded in custody for 18 months, charged with rebellion.

Peru faces deadliest day of anti-government protests, at least 17 dead

January 10, 2023, 1:26 pm

Protestors and security forces clash in the city of Juliaca as protestors demand early elections and release of former president Pedro Castillo. This ended up in being the deadliest clash since the start of protests causing loss of 17 lives.

This is the highest death toll since the protests began in early December after Castillo’s removal and arrest. Castillo is in for 18 months of pretrial detention on charges of rebellion, which he has denied categorically. This happened after his widely condemned attempt to dissolve Congress and head off his own impeachment.

Majorly the protests consisted of roadblocks making it impossible for the truckers to deliver their goods. Nearly 13 percent of Peru’s provinces reported protests on Monday. Two of the dead consisted of teenagers that were part of the protesters who were trying to take control of the airport at Juliaca as reported by country’s human rights office. Another person of 17 to be reported dead was killed in the city of Chucuito, where protesters blocked highway.

Apart from the dead the number of injured people is around 68 as stated by henry Rebaza, a Puno health Ministry official told state Television channel. “The only thing that was in my hands was moving forwards the elections, which we have already proposed,” Dina Boluarte, current President of Peru said. “What you are asking for is a pretext to continue generating chaos in the cities.”, she further added.

The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights said that it will go to Lima and other places during its three-day visit to Peru to assess the situation.