by Canada has issued a travel warning for citizens traveling to Peru, citing high crime levels, social conflicts and strikes.
In an announcement on Tuesday, Canadian travelers were advised to “exercise a high degree of caution” and avoid non-essential travel in certain areas of Peru due to “cases of domestic terrorism and criminal activity such as drug trafficking, robberies, kidnappings , extortion and looting”.
Citizens were also advised to avoid non-essential travel to the border areas with Colombia and Ecuador.
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BC residents have been involved in civil unrest in Peru
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BC residents have been involved in civil unrest in Peru
The government of Canada said the political situation in Peru had been particularly unstable since early December. “Violent demonstrations” and “clashes between protesters and security forces resulted in casualties,” according to the advisory.
Protests erupted across Peru after leftist former president Pedro Castillo was ousted from Congress on December 7. Castillo was arrested after he illegally attempted to dissolve the Andean Nation’s Congress ahead of an impeachment vote.
Former Vice President Dina Boluarte replaced Castillo after he was impeached, becoming the first female president in Peruvian history.
Castillo, accused of rebellion and conspiracy, called on his supporters to come to jail, saying he should be released Wednesday in a handwritten message posted on Chirping.
The Peruvian Supreme Court says it is considering the prosecution’s request for up to 18 months of preventive arrest for Castillo.
At least six people, mostly teenagers, have died in clashes with police since December 7, according to government officials.
Meanwhile, a BC man who is visiting his girlfriend in Peru said the protests are not directed at tourists.
Colin Worobetz told Global News he plans to stay in the country until Dec. 22, and if unrest delays his departure, he’ll take it slow.
“People here are not angry with us. As tourists we are not targeted here,” she said.
Canadians were also advised to make sure they have insurance and stay up to date with what’s happening in their location. They have been urged not to attempt to cross roadblocks that protesters have set up to disrupt traffic.
Read more:
President of Peru ousted from Congress, arrested on charges of rebellion in political crisis
Airports in Arequipa and Cuzco have suspended all operations until further notice, the advisory said, adding that protesters could also block access to other airports.
The regions of Apurimac, Arequipa and Ica have declared a state of emergency, which could be extended to other regions.
— with files from Reuters and Global News’ Simon Little & Kylie Stanton
© 2022 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
