Peru declares nationwide state of emergency amid ongoing protests

BOGOTA, Colombia

Peru declared a 30-day nationwide state of emergency Wednesday in the wake of widespread protests that have left seven people dead after former President Pedro Castillo was removed by Congress last week.

"A state of emergency has been declared for the whole country, due to the acts of vandalism and violence, the seizure of highways and roads," said Defense Minister Alberto Otarola.

The state of emergency entails the suspension of the right to assemble and freedom of transit, among others. The government is evaluating the possibility of declaring a curfew.

A judge in Peru postponed a hearing earlier Wednesday to decide if Castillo will be released from prison.

He was impeached after he tried to dissolve parliament.