The People's Defense Front of Ayacucho together with other social, peasant, student and workers' organizations is holding a regiona strike to demand the closure of Congress and the convening of a Constituent Assembly to change the Peruvian Magna Carta.

Lima, December 20 (RHC)-- The People's Defense Front of Ayacucho together with other social, peasant, student and workers' organizations is holding a regional strike to demand the closure of Congress and the convening of a Constituent Assembly to change the Peruvian Magna Carta.

The strike takes place in the context of a deep political and social crisis following the impeachment and subsequent arrest of then President Pedro Castillo, who was dismissed and disqualified by Congress.

As a result of Castillo's arrest, protests were held in many cities of the South American country to demand the resignation of the president-designate, the immediate release of the president, the closure of Congress, the immediate calling of new elections, among other issues.

The police and army have cracked down hard on the demonstrations and as of this Monday the death toll at the hands of security forces rose to 26.   For the organizations and social groups of Ayacucho, one of the regions hardest hit by the repression, the situation reveals the offensive of the right and the ultra-right to take over the country, according to a front communiqué.

Once again the organizations seek to pressure the Government with a work stoppage which they expect to extend to at least Wednesday, December 21st.  The protests, which have included the seizure of highways and air terminals, are taking place at a time when the government of Dina Boluarte, the president appointed by Congress, is seeking to present a moderate image and disassociate itself from the government repression, which has claimed 25 lives.

On December 7, before being subjected to a new impeachment trial, Castillo tried to close the parliament, to intervene the public powers and to govern by decree, and justified his decision in an obstruction from the Congress to govern, besides being treated with racism.   

Protests continue in numerous localities in Peru, while the government is trying to dialogue with the demonstrators by sending ministers for this purpose.