“Peru: Disruptive protests and major related transport and business disruptions likely nationwide through early January /update 13” – January 4, 2023

Protests resume nationwide in Peru; major travel and business disruptions likely though early January… Following a brief lull over the holidays, major protests have resumed in Peru as of early January in response to the Dec. 7 arrest of then-President Pedro Castillo. As of Jan. 4, demonstrators have begun an indefinite general strike to demand Castillo's release from prison, the closing of the national Congress, and early elections in 2023. As part of the strike, protesters are blocking highways in the departments of Cusco, Junin, and Puno. Additional demonstrations are likely in the departments of Apurimac, Arequipa, Ayacucho, Madre de Dios, and Moquegua, where activists have said that they plan on joining the strike… Previous protests forced the temporary closure of airports. While all airports have since opened, as of Jan. 4, demonstrations near the Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) in Cusco are disrupting transit to and from the airport. Additional disruptions near and at other airports are possible throughout the country… The general strike has also forced the suspension of all rail services between Cusco and the Machu Picchu ruins, as well as all passenger rail services between the departments of Arequipa, Cusco, and Puno… A state of emergency remains in effect nationwide until at least mid-January. Under the state of emergency, several constitutional rights are suspended, including the right to transit, the right to assembly, and the right to be free from warrantless searches. The state of emergency further authorizes the armed forces to engage in law enforcement activities, such as policing protests… According to the minister of defense, under the emergency measures, the armed forces will mobilize to reopen roads that have been blocked by protesters. Troops will also protect airports and other critical infrastructure. As part of the measures, police and military forces have implemented strict security protocols at some airports; at Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM), which serves Lima and Callao, security forces are only permitting ticketed passengers to enter the airport premises… Further clashes between protesters and police, as well as between supporters of rival political parties, cannot be ruled out. Protest-related disruptions to transport and business are likely to continue in early January...