Peru's President Dina Boluarte Faces Homicide Charges Amid Protests
The Peruvian Prosecutor's Office has filed a significant complaint against President Dina Boluarte, alleging aggravated homicide and other serious crimes linked to the violent protests that erupted following her rise to power in December 2022. The complaint, which also includes six former ministers, stems from a tragic period between December 7, 2022, and February 9, 2023, during which at least 50 people lost their lives amid widespread demonstrations. This legal action marks a pivotal moment in Boluarte's presidency, as it could lead to a trial once her term concludes in 2026.
The complaints come after a series of protests ignited by the ousting of former President Pedro Castillo, who dissolved Parliament unconstitutionally before his arrest. Boluarte, who was Castillo's vice president, ascended to the presidency under constitutional mandate. The current complaint, however, excludes allegations of genocide, which had been considered earlier in the investigation but were dropped by the prosecutor's office.
In response to the accusations, Boluarte's legal team argues that the actions taken during the protests were necessary for maintaining order and that the president did not directly instigate the violence. Her lawyer, Joseph Campos, emphasized that the investigation should focus on whether Boluarte's directives led to the tragic outcomes, insisting that the police's handling of the protests must also be scrutinized. As the case moves to Parliament, it will undergo a thorough examination by a subcommittee before potentially being debated in a plenary session.
- The constitutional complaint filed against Boluarte allows for two potential proceedings: an impeachment trial, which could disqualify her from office, and a pretrial that permits parliamentary authorization for further judicial actions. Legal experts note that while the constitution protects the president from certain accusations while in office, it does not grant immunity from all forms of accountability. The ongoing political turmoil in Peru, marked by a series of leadership changes and corruption investigations, underscores the challenges facing Boluarte's administration.
