Peru's attorney general has filed a constitutional complaint against President Dina Boluarte due to the handling of protests resulting in over 50 fatalities.
According to AFP, Boluarte assumed power in December following the arrest of former leftist president Pedro Castillo, who attempted to dissolve Congress and govern by decree, triggering violent protests demanding her resignation and fresh elections.
Attorney General Patricia Benavides condemned the loss of lives, stating, "No Peruvian should suffer such fate, and no abuse of power should be tolerated." Benavides announced the complaint, which could result in Boluarte's removal.
In response, Boluarte criticized the move as a "political tactic" to divert attention from a serious complaint against Benavides, who faces allegations of involvement in a corruption scandal. Benavides, in turn, has rejected calls for her resignation.
Expressing surprise, Boluarte noted the timing of the complaint following raids and arrests of Benavides' advisors on corruption charges, yet she didn't address the allegations against herself.
In January, Peruvian authorities initiated an investigation into Boluarte for "genocide, qualified homicide, and severe injuries," although her immunity remains until her term concludes in 2026.
Congress needs to approve the complaint against Boluarte, a process that might extend up to three months. Boluarte is Peru's sixth president since March 2018 and the first female president, while Castillo remains in pre-trial detention in Lima.
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