Authorities in Peru provided an update on Friday afternoon, confirming that the death toll linked to the political upheaval surrounding the dismissal and detention of former President Pedro Castillo has risen to 22. The new figures come as security forces confronted ongoing demonstrations and clashes across several regions, underscoring the continuing volatility in parts of the country.
The District Health Directorate of Junín reported two fatalities resulting from confrontations between protesters and police in the Pichanaqui district of Chanchamayo, located in Peru’s central highlands. In addition, health officials in Junín noted that 52 individuals had sustained injuries to date, comprising 43 civilians and 9 police officers. These numbers reflect a broader pattern of strain on local medical services as the protests persisted and spread across several communities.
With these latest losses, Peru’s overall death toll now stands at 22. Of these, 13 deaths occurred after the government declared a state of emergency the previous Thursday, marking a rapid escalation in public unrest and government measures intended to restore order and stability.
The most recent fatalities emerge amid widespread demonstrations that followed the December 7 events, when Castillo was removed from office and subsequently arrested. The demonstrators have called for Boluarte to dissolve Congress and to organize new general elections, a demand that has resonated through multiple urban and rural centers and has drawn both civilian participants and organized groups into the streets.
In response to the protests, the Peruvian government declared a 30-day national state of emergency, a move intended to curb unrest and to enable more coordinated security operations. In parallel, authorities imposed a state of emergency along key segments of the National Highway Network, authorizing the deployment of the Army to defend strategic points, secure critical infrastructure, and assist local authorities where civilian capacity to manage the situation was overwhelmed.
Analysts note that the situation remains fluid, with regional authorities reporting varying levels of violence and disruption across districts and provinces. Local health officials have stressed the importance of timely medical attention for those injured and the rapid provision of supplies to hospitals facing increased patient loads. Community leaders in affected areas have called for calm, dialogue, and the establishment of safe corridors to allow humanitarian aid and essential services to reach residents in need. The government has indicated a willingness to engage with regional authorities to de-escalate tensions, while reiterating its commitment to maintaining public order and constitutional processes.
Observers remind the public that demonstrations, by their nature, may involve both peaceful assemblies and actions that can threaten safety. Residents in regions affected by the demonstrations are urged to monitor official advisories, adhere to curfews where imposed, and seek information from trusted local sources to avoid misinformation and confusion. Officials also emphasize that medical facilities will continue to operate under heightened readiness to treat injuries and to provide ongoing care to those affected by the unrest. In the longer term, many citizens and commentators are calling for political reforms and transparent governance as a path toward restoring confidence in institutions and preventing further cycles of violence.