Local Peruvian speaks out amid massive, violent protests after president's removal

 

WEST ALLIS, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Peru's new government declared a 30-day State of Emergency on Wednesday following the recent, deadly protests after their president was removed from office and taken into custody. 

At least eight people have reportedly died.

Peru's now ex-President Pedro Castillo, a leftist elected in 2021, was removed from office on Dec. 7 and taken into custody following his attempt to dissolve Congress ahead of an impeachment vote. 

His former vice president, Dina Boluarte, was immediately sworn in after his removal.

Maritza Paz, the owner of the local Peruvian restaurant in West Allis, Chef Paz, said growing up in Peru, the political scene has always more or less stayed the same. 

"We have a lot of corruption...we don't know who to trust anymore, that's why we want the president, the congressmen out and new elections because we're tired of the same old politicians," she said in Spanish.

Although Paz moved to the Milwaukee area 25 years ago, she still has loved ones abroad who now have no right to gather and move freely across the entire country, despite the holidays approaching.

"I think we have more hope than (we are) scared, because we always fight for the right thing," she added.

Castillo's supporters have been protesting, demanding for his freedom, the resignation of Boluarte, and general elections to elect a new president and new members of Congress.

Meanwhile, Peru's ex-president remains in custody while authorities build their case against him for inciting a rebellion. He is said to face up to 10 years in prison.