Alejandro Soto reported that it sent a statement to the National Police of Peru due to the withdrawal of the bars that limited access to Congress of the Republic. Before starting the session of the Standing Committee On Wednesday, July 24, the President of the Legislature took a few minutes to inform the parliamentarians that the decision of the PNP had not been previously coordinated, exempting himself from any responsibility in case of future incidents.
“I have become aware of the uncoordinated withdrawal of the physical protection of the front perimeter of the Legislative Palace, for which reason I have instructed the Chief Officer to send a letter to the general commander of the PNP,” said Soto. “Likewise, We disclaim any responsibility due to the occurrence of events that could affect the security of congressmen, congressional staff and the facilities of the National Parliament, taking into account the current political situation and probable protests against public order,” he added.
For his part, the congressman of the bench Honor and DemocracyJosé Cueto, took the floor during the session to ask the president of Congress more details regarding the removal of the bars and whether it was carried out by the PNP. “When I arrived on Avenida Abancay, I saw that the bars had indeed been removed, which is true. However, I also saw police officers guarding the area. Therefore, I would like you to clarify this point for me, please.”
Soto responded to Congressman Cueto as follows: “The clarification is as follows: the general commander of the National Police has withdrawn, without coordination with Congress of the Republic, the protective bars that were on Abancay Avenue under the argument of improving the ornamentation of the avenue. If that is the idea, I wonder if the bars that are on the government palace “They have also been withdrawn, right? As president of Congress, it is my duty to disclaim any liability that may arise,” he concluded.
Why were the fences near Congress removed?
Earlier this week, the National Police of Peru The government announced in a statement on its social media that the metal bars that limited access to the Congress of the Republic at the intersection of Junín and Abancay avenues in downtown Lima had been removed.
“By order of the General Commander of the National Police, Víctor Zanabria, the bars that restricted access to the Congress of the Republic were removed. This action facilitates vehicular and pedestrian traffic, improving the city’s appearance,” the publication reads.
However, the measure has been criticized by the President of Congress because it is taking place in the midst of the demonstrations announced for the 27th, 28th and 29th of July in the capital and at the national level, which could put at risk the development of the protocol activities scheduled for the same dates.
Communication from the PNP on the removal of the bars outside Congress. | Photo: National Police of Peru / X.
