Peru bans entry to former Bolivian president Evo Morales alleging political interference

The Government of Peru said this Monday that it prohibited the entry into the country of nine citizens of Bolivian nationality, including the former leftist president Evo Moralesa staunch defender of the ousted ex-president Pedro Castillowho in December illegally tried to dissolve Congress.

Morales, who entered Peru several times during Castillo’s administration, has strongly criticized In BoluarteThe president faces harsh protests, which have left 22 dead in clashes with the police and another six killed in accidents linked to roadblocks.

“In recent months, foreign citizens of Bolivian nationality have been identified who entered the country to carry out activities of a proselytizing political nature, which constitutes a clear affectation of our immigration legislation, national security and the internal order of Peru. “, said a statement from the Ministry of Interior.

The decision to prevent Morales and eight other Bolivians from entering “through all checkpoints” was made by the immigration office on January 6, he said.

Last week, the Peruvian Defense Minister, Jorge Chávez, stated that according to intelligence reports, the entry of foreigners had been detected, including Bolivians, who are supposedly fueling the protests with “separatist” plans in the country.

The protests in Peru began after December 7 after the dismissal of Castillo, who is now serving an 18-month preventive prison accused of “rebellion” against the State, something that the former leftist president denies.

The demonstrations, in which the resignation of the Boluarte, the closure of Congress, a change of the Constitution and the release of Castillo are demanded, were reactivated last week after a pause for the end of the year holidays.

The protests have now concentrated in the region of Puno, on the border with Bolivia, with blockades of roads and trade towards the antiplano country, with strong clashes with the police after protesters tried to take over the city’s airport.