Peru's President Accused of First-Degree Murder Amid Deepening Political Crisis

Attorney General Patricia Benavides files charges against President Dina Boluarte, further escalating tensions in a country already rocked by political instability and protests.

Peru's Attorney General Patricia Benavides has filed a 'constitutional complaint' against President Dina Boluarte and her prime minister, accusing them of first-degree murder in relation to the deaths of several anti-government protesters.
The complaint, which could lead to a trial if approved by a majority of lawmakers, deepens the ongoing political crisis in Peru, a country that has seen five presidents since 2016, none of whom have completed their terms.
The charges follow the impeachment of former President Pedro Castillo, after which at least 49 people were killed in protests. Boluarte, Castillo's vice president, took over following his removal.
Boluarte's government has been criticized for its use of excessive force against protesters and for taking an increasingly authoritarian stance, including resisting calls for early elections and working on laws that could undermine the independence of the judicial system.
The charges against Boluarte were filed just hours after prosecutors accused Benavides of leading a corruption ring that allegedly dropped investigations against lawmakers who appointed some of her allies to influential positions within the judicial branch.