A bloc of leftist countries meeting in Havana on Wednesday expressed support for ousted Peruvian President Pedro Castillo amid protests and roadblocks in the South American country that have left at least eight people dead.
“We reject the political structure created by right-wing forces against constitutional president Pedro Castillo,” the 10 member countries – including Cuba, Bolivia, Venezuela, Nicaragua and small Caribbean islands – said in an evening statement.
“We reject the repression by the forces of order against the Peruvian people who defend a government elected at the polls and we ask for dialogue…”
Castillo was ousted and jailed last week after lawmakers in the opposition-controlled Congress voted to remove him from power shortly after he illegally attempted to dissolve Congress to avoid a third impeachment vote.
Former Castillo vice president Dina Boluarte was sworn in after ouster.
Wednesday’s Alba summit marked the 18th anniversary of its founding by former presidents Fidel Castro of Cuba and Hugo Chávez of Venezuela, both deceased.
On Monday, the governments of Mexico, Bolivia, Colombia and Argentina called for the protection of Castillo’s human and judicial rights.
The Peruvian government declared a state of emergency on Wednesday, a rare move to quell protests, allowing the military to assist police and limiting some civil liberties, including the right to assemble.
Protesters are demanding the release of Castillo, the resignation of Boluarte, the dissolution of Congress and new elections.
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Source: Terra
Camila Luna is a writer at Gossipify, where she covers the latest movies and television series. With a passion for all things entertainment, Camila brings her unique perspective to her writing and offers readers an inside look at the industry. Camila is a graduate from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) with a degree in English and is also a avid movie watcher.
