Two Chicago police officers were stranded during widespread civil unrest in Peru
Two Chicago police officers who were vacationing in Peru have been stranded there after the South American country’s new government declared a police state in response to widespread unrest.
Peru descended into chaos last week as thousands took to the streets to protest the ousting of President Pedro Castillo, disrupting trade and affecting thousands of tourists.
Realizing what was happening around them, the two police officers went to the airport early Monday — the day of their scheduled flight home — but were unable to board a plane, Chicago’s Fraternal Order of Police president John Catanzara said WGN TV.
“After waiting there for a few hours, they were basically told, ‘Get out, the country is not secure, the airport has been taken over, there are no more flights. Go back to your hotel,’” Catanzara said.
Protesters have blocked roads in Peru, making travel difficult.
Demonstrators are demanding the release of former President Pedro Castillo.
advertisement
Castillo’s supporters took to the streets after he was removed from office by Congress
advertisement
According to the US Embassy in Peru, flights to and from four of the country’s airports have been suspended. The embassy encouraged those to work with their airlines to book a flight home, saying travelers in Cusco, the Sacred Valley and in Aguas Calientes/Machu Picchu Village “are advised to protect themselves locally until safe transportation becomes available.” are”.
The U.S. State Department said it issued alerts to Americans on December 7, 9, 11, 12, 13 and 15 and said it will “continue to assess the security situation and provide updates to U.S. citizens as appropriate.” .
“We encourage U.S. citizens to follow the instructions of the Peruvian National Police and local authorities and to stay in touch with airlines for the latest flight status,” the department said in a statement to WGN-TV.
In response to the protests, which have killed at least 14 people, Peru has suspended rights to “personal security and liberty” across the South American country for 30 days.
At least 14 people have been killed in the protests so far.
The protesters have shown no sign of abating while the military and police work to bring them down.
advertisement
Thousands of tourists are stranded amid unrest across the country.
advertisement
Thousands of tourists have been affected by the protests as rail services have been halted and road closures have made travel to some parts of the country impossible.
Protesters have burned down police stations, occupied a runway used by the armed forces and raided the runway at Arequipa International Airport, a gateway to some of Peru’s most popular tourist attractions.
Castillo, a leftist schoolteacher of humble roots, was ordered by a judge on Thursday to serve 18 months in state custody after he was ousted by lawmakers after trying to dissolve Congress ahead of a third impeachment vote.
His supporters, most of whom hail from the country’s impoverished, rural areas, have called for Castillo’s freedom, the resignation of President Dina Boluarte and the immediate calling of general elections to choose a new president and congressman.
The crisis has deepened the instability of the country, which has had six presidents in as many years.
With postal wires
https://nypost.com/2022/12/16/two-chicago-cops-stranded-in-peru-during-amid-widespread-civil-unrest/ Two Chicago police officers were stranded during widespread civil unrest in Peru
