In a span of two days, Peru witnessed the jailing of two former presidents. Pedro Castillo, the former left-wing leader, received an 11-year sentence for attempting to dissolve Congress and rule by decree in 2022. The Supreme Court found him guilty of “conspiracy to commit rebellion.” This follows the 14-year prison sentence given to Martín Vizcarra a day prior. Vizcarra was convicted of taking bribes while governor of the Moquegua region between 2011 and 2014, a conviction which he denies.
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U.S. authorities collaborated with the Peruvian government to seize approximately 10,000 shark fins, a major wildlife trafficking operation destined for China. Three individuals linked to a transnational criminal network were apprehended during the bust at an industrial port near Lima. The confiscated fins, valued at over $11.2 million, originated from endangered shark species and were laundered through false documentation. This seizure underscores the persistent global demand for shark fins, fueled by their use in Chinese cuisine, and the detrimental impact on marine ecosystems and threatened species.
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AP News reports that Peru’s Congress voted early Friday to remove President Dina Boluarte from office due to the government’s failure to address rising crime rates, immediately replacing her with legislative leader José Jerí. This decision followed a late-night debate and impeachment trial initiated after lawmakers accepted multiple requests for Boluarte’s removal, fueled by recent events including a shooting at a concert in the capital. Boluarte, who had taken office in December 2022 after her predecessor’s impeachment, was Peru’s first female president and the sixth leader in under a decade. Jerí, set to serve as interim president until elections in April, aims to defend Peru’s sovereignty and hand over power to the election winner.
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Archaeologists have recently announced the discovery of the 3,500-year-old city of Peñico in Peru, offering valuable insights into the fate of the Caral civilization. The city, located 200 kilometers north of Lima, served as a crucial trading hub, connecting coastal communities with those in the Andes and Amazon basin. Excavations over eight years have revealed 18 structures, including temples and residential complexes, along with ceremonial objects and artifacts. The discovery of Peñico, near the site of the older Caral civilization, is crucial to understanding its fate after environmental changes and its continuation.
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In a move that has sparked significant controversy, Peruvian President Dina Boluarte has doubled her salary, bringing it to over 35,500 soles per month. This decision comes amid a historically low approval rating of only 2% for Boluarte. The government has defended the raise, stating it aligns the president’s salary with those of other regional leaders. The announcement has been widely criticized on social media, with many citizens expressing outrage and frustration, particularly considering the context of existing investigations and growing public dissatisfaction over issues like rising crime rates.
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The recent classification of trans people as ‘mentally ill’ in Peru after a government decree has sparked a heated debate. The decree designates body dysphoria, or the feeling of discomfort with one’s assigned gender, as a mental illness requiring treatment. This move opens up access to government and insurance funds for necessary treatments such as sex reassignment surgery and hormone therapy, which are essential for many individuals struggling with gender dysphoria.
Despite the potential benefits of this classification in terms of providing medical solutions for transgender individuals, it has raised concerns among LGBTQ groups in Peru. While transitioning is already covered and legally protected in Peru, the labeling of trans people as ‘mentally ill’ still raises red flags for many.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker