Lima, July 13 (RHC)--The Peruvian government decided to extend for 30 days the declaration of a state of emergency on the main highways in the south of the country in view of the announcement of new anti-government protests, according to Prime Minister Alberto Otárola.

The decision was taken by the Council of Ministers, which pledged to respect the right to demonstrate. However, the executive remarked that this should not affect people or public and private property.

According to the prime minister , the state of emergency will be maintained in the Southern Road Corridor, which includes the regions of Apurimac, Cusco and Arequipa, as well as in the Southern Inter-Oceanic Road Corridor, which runs along the coast, highlands and jungle of the country until it reaches Brazil.

The purpose of this measure is to "guarantee free circulation" during the celebrations of the anniversary of Peruvian independence, which have July 28 as their central date, and to maintain "the right to free mobilization especially next week," he assured.

Opposition sectors to President Dina Boluarte called for protest actions for July 19 like those already held in December 2022 and January 2023, a few weeks after the removal and arrest of former President Pedro Castillo.