Peru’s under-fire top attorney targets president over protest deaths

Peru’s attorney general has laid a constitutional complaint against President Dina Boluarte over a crackdown on protests that led to the deaths of more than 50 people.

Boluarte came to power in December after former leftist president Pedro Castillo tried to dissolve Congress and rule by decree, leading to his arrest and violent protests demanding she step down, and that fresh elections be held.

“The death of any Peruvian man or woman should not be allowed, nor should the abuse of power be allowed,” said Attorney General Patricia Benavides late Monday, announcing the complaint which could lead to Boluarte’s dismissal.

However, Boluarte slammed the complaint as a “political maneuver” that “is intended to distract from a very serious complaint against the prosecutor,” who is herself engulfed in a corruption scandal.

A prosecutor has accused Benavides of leading an alleged criminal network involved in influence-peddling with Congress. The attorney general has refused to resign.

Boluarte expressed “surprise” that the complaint had been filed “after citizens became aware of the raids and arrest of Benavides’ team (of advisors) for alleged acts of corruption.”

The president did not address the accusations against her.

In January, Peruvian prosecutors opened a probe against Boluarte for “genocide, qualified homicide and serious injuries,” although she enjoys immunity until her term ends in 2026.

A parliamentary process that can last up to three months is required for Congress to approve the complaint against Boluarte.

Boluarte is Peru’s sixth president since March 2018 and the first woman to hold the role.

The former president Castillo remains in pre-trial detention in Lima.