Politics

Peru imposes curfew as transporters strike to protests rising fuel costs

Lima, Apr 5 (EFE).- The Peruvian government Monday ordered a daylong curfew in Lima amid a strike by transporters and violent demonstrations in protest against rising fuel costs in the South American country.

President Pedro Castillo said the cabinet approved the decision to ban people from leaving their homes from Tuesday morning until midnight in the capital Lima and neighboring Callao.

He declared the move in a televised speech shortly before Monday midnight.

The president said the government restrictions were “to protect the fundamental rights of all people,” but it would not affect essential services.

He said the constitutional rights of freedom of movement and assembly, personal freedom, and security would remain suspended during the emergency period.

Truckers in Peru have been on strike to protest the increase in fuel prices.

To assuage the angry protesters, the government proposed to exempt fuel from most taxes until June to lower prices.

The president justified the curbs, saying certain groups were planning violence to block the movement of trucks into the provinces of Lima and Callao.

Castillo appealed for calm and serenity.

He said to protest is a constitutional right, but it must be done “within the framework of the law, respecting the security of people, public and private properties.”

He said the government ordered the restrictions due to “difficult circumstances where it is necessary to see the active role of the state.”

“We will do everything possible that is within our reach to help our people,” said the president.

The government has said the protests have become increasingly violent, and four people have lost their lives.

Police have arrested about 20 people for allegedly causing disturbances across the country.

Protesters set afire five toll booths in the southern Ica region on Monday.

Occasional looting of supermarkets and shops took place in the northern city of Trujillo, replicating the weekend disorders in the Andean city of Huancayo. EFE

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