Politics, Business & Culture in the Americas

Daily Focus: Peru Grants Asylum to Former Bolivian Minister



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The Peruvian government provoked Bolivian President Evo Morales’ ire over the weekend, granting asylum to a former minister charged with aiding the killing of 65 civilians. The deaths occurred in 2003, during the military repression of protests that eventually ousted the government of Gonzalo Sanchez de Lozada.

“If the Peruvian government grants asylum or refuge, it would be committing a serious crime,” said Morales, “because we’ve reviewed the regulations of the Peruvian state and they cannot (give asylum) to people who have committed crimes against humanity and who are indicted.”

Two additional Bolivian ministers facing similar charges have also submitted applications for asylum in Peru. They are currently under review. This is the second high-profile asylum case for Peru this year, the first coming in March when it approved the application of Venezuela’s opposition leader Manuel Rosales. Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez reacted by withdrawing his ambassador to Peru.

 

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