The Peruvian Ombudsman's Office officially declared that six people have died as a result of police repression. | Photo: EFE

Lima, December 14 (RHC)-- Social sectors denounced on Tuesday the militarization of Peru in the face of an increase in popular mobilization in favor of the release of former president Pedro Castillo and to demand the closure of Congress.

The military will intervene the national road network and the main strategic points of the country, such as airports and hydroelectric plants, Defense Minister Alberto Otárola said in a press conference.  The official also indicated that this Wednesday the National Security and Defense Council will meet to agree on proposals such as the coordination of the Public Prosecutor's Office and the Armed Forces.

With the military deployment, the interim government seeks to retake control of the roads at a time when, according to the latest police report, there are roadblocks in 14 of Peru's 24 departments.

"I want to communicate that the national road network is going to be declared in emergency. we are going to assume control of the national road network throughout the country, to ensure the free transit of all Peruvians and so that they can adequately exercise the rights that the Constitution guarantees them," explained Otárola.

"Secondly, the immediate protection of strategic points, of national assets, by the Armed Forces has been ordered," he added.  "We are talking about airports, hydroelectric power plants and all those infrastructures that, due to their strategic value, serve to ensure the life, the subsistence, of all Peruvians," he detailed.

"Likewise, we have declared an emergency today in the department of Arequipa and (the) department of Ica, in addition to the emergency decreed in Andahuaylas, so that the Armed Forces in support of the National Police can take control of the internal order", mentioned the official. 

This Tuesday marked the fifth consecutive day of protests in Peru in the midst of repressive actions by the Police.  The mobilizations are demanding the closure of Congress, the call for a Constituent Assembly and the release of Castillo, who is being held in a prison accused of alleged rebellion.