Pedro Castillo is arrested after carrying out a coup in Peru

The former President of the Republic, Pedro Castillowas arrested this afternoon by police officers after withdrawing from government palace aboard the presidential entourage. This was confirmed by sources in Peru21.

The president left the Palacio residence with his wife, Lilia Paredes, and their children, as could be captured in images. Subsequently, the presidential entourage entered the headquarters of the Lima Prefecture located on Av. España.

Sources from this newspaper indicated that the National Prosecutor, Patricia Benavides, is already in the Prefecture.

In compliance with our powers and attributions described in art. 5 of DL No. 1267 Law of the National Police of Peru, PNP troops intervene in former president Pedro Castillo. pic.twitter.com/w5dCD1oBSN

– National Police of Peru (@PoliciaPeru) December 7, 2022

President Pedro Castillo within the Prefecture.

Pedro Castillo and his family leave the Government Palace residence. (Photo: Violeta Ayasta/ @photo.gec)

Castillo launched a coup after announcing in a message to the Nation that he was “dissolving” Congress. “The following measures are issued: Temporarily dissolve the Congress of the Republic and establish an exceptional emergency government,” said the president.

His unconstitutional decision was not accepted by the Armed Forces or the National Police.

“Any act contrary to the established constitutional order constitutes a violation of the Constitution and generates non-compliance by the Armed Forces and the National Police of Peru,” it was indicated in a statement published by both institutions.

After his message to the Nation, Congress approved Castillo’s vacancy “due to permanent moral incapacity.” The decision was approved with the support of 101 votes of legislators. Thus, Vice President Dina Boluarte was summoned for 3:00 pm for the constitutional succession.