Interior Minister: Violence during demonstrations is aimed at “blackmailing” the government

Minister of Internal Affairs, Vincent Romeroassured this Friday that the second demonstration held on Friday at center of Lima against the president Dina Boluarte, is part of a well-planned act to “blackmail” the government. In this sense, he singled out the work National Police in their public order activities.

“As far as violence is concerned, it is a properly planned and coordinated action, which is essentially subordinate to political interests, aimed at blackmailing the ruling government through violence or attacks on police stations, authorities or together with defense ministers; Education; culture; Work and employment promotion; Health; and foreign trade and tourism.

Secondly, Vincent Romero pointed out that the fire in San Martin Square, recorded last night, was caused by a pyrotechnic bombing, although he did not dispute these versions. “The facts will be investigated by a specialized unit led by the Defense Ministry,” he said.

On the other hand, Romero indicated that two non-commissioned officers were wounded in Ilawa, Puno, and that a police station in the area was set on fire. In addition, he indicated that there were 3,700 protesters in Lima this Friday and 11 people were arrested during the day. In this sense, he added that since December 7 last year, 378 people have been in detention.

Foreign troops did not enter

For his part, the Minister of Defense Jorge Chavezclaimed that Armed forces continue to protect critical assets and strategic infrastructure both in Lima and throughout the country.

Chávez said that violent attacks were repeated Friday at both the Arequipa airport and the Antapaccay mine in Cusco. “These types of extremist actions cannot be regarded as protests,” he stressed.

The head of the Ministry of Defense also denied the versions that appeared on social networks about the alleged introduction of foreign troops in the midst of marches against the authorities.

“This false news from the congressman, analysts and international organizations indicates that the entry of foreign troops will be allowed, which she categorically ruled out. These are the procedures of cultural and academic exchange, which are carried out between the armies of the naval forces and the armies of the countries of the world,” he specified.

Wounded on the marches

For her part, Health Minister Rosa Gutiérrez indicated that of the 25 patients registered Friday during the demonstrations, Lima alone has 13 polycontusions already discharged, Arequipa seven, and Puno only four.

Gutiérrez addressed the Peruvian families, where he reaffirmed his commitment to the population in the context of the health emergency and finally guaranteed the operation of all medical centers both for care and for the supply of medicines.