标签： South America

LIMA, Peru — In a bold move to combat escalating crime, Peru’s newly inaugurated President José Jerí declared a state of emergency, effective Wednesday. The decree, which suspends several constitutional rights including freedom of assembly and protest, also imposes restrictions on everyday activities such as motorcycle travel and prison visits. Additionally, it permits power cuts in prison cells, except for essential lighting. This decision comes in the wake of violent protests demanding Jerí’s resignation, which resulted in one fatality and severe injuries to another civilian. Jerí assumed office on October 10 after lawmakers ousted his predecessor, Dina Boluarte, citing her failure to address the country’s crime surge. However, many Peruvians remain skeptical of the measure, recalling the ineffectiveness of similar emergency declarations under Boluarte’s administration. Manuel Timoteo, a resident of northern Lima, expressed his doubts, stating, “The soldiers go out for a few days, stand with their rifles on a corner, leave and everything remains the same.” Crime statistics reveal a troubling trend, with homicides increasing from 676 cases in 2017 to 2,082 in 2024, and extortion complaints skyrocketing from 2,305 in 2020 to 21,746 last year. Most victims are from the working class, highlighting the pervasive impact of crime on everyday life in Peru.

QUITO, Ecuador — The Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (CONAIE) announced on Wednesday the cessation of nationwide protests that had paralyzed parts of the country for over a month. The decision came after President Daniel Noboa threatened to deploy the military to dismantle road blockades that had severely disrupted transportation and economic activities. The protests were initially sparked by the government’s decision to eliminate a diesel subsidy, which caused fuel prices to surge from $1.80 to $2.80 per gallon. Diesel is crucial for agricultural machinery, trucking, and public transportation, particularly affecting Ecuador’s most vulnerable populations. Marlon Vargas, CONAIE’s president, described the decision to end the demonstrations as “difficult” but necessary to safeguard the lives of Indigenous communities. In a social media statement, Vargas criticized the government for lacking dialogue and sensitivity in implementing policies that disproportionately impact the poor. Meanwhile, General Henry Delgado of the Joint Chiefs of Staff emphasized the military’s readiness to clear blockades in Imbabura province, the epicenter of the disruptions. Delgado condemned the protests, stating that a minority should not impose its will on the nation’s 18 million citizens. Despite the end of the strike, Vargas vowed that Indigenous groups would continue to resist policies they deem unjust.

The U.S. military has intensified its crackdown on drug trafficking with its eighth strike targeting an alleged drug-carrying vessel in the eastern Pacific Ocean, resulting in two fatalities, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on Wednesday. This marks a significant expansion of the Trump administration’s campaign against South American drug cartels, shifting focus from the Caribbean to Colombia, a major cocaine producer. Hegseth emphasized the administration’s resolve, drawing parallels between the war on drug cartels and the post-9/11 war on terrorism. “Just as Al Qaeda waged war on our homeland, these cartels are waging war on our border and our people,” he stated, vowing no refuge or forgiveness for the cartels. The strike brings the total death toll from these operations to at least 34 since last month. The Trump administration has justified these actions by classifying drug cartels as unlawful combatants, invoking the same legal authority used in the war on terrorism. Despite the aggressive measures, the administration has refrained from prosecuting occupants of the targeted vessels, instead repatriating survivors to their home countries. The U.S. military has also bolstered its presence in the Caribbean and off Venezuela’s coast, fueling speculation about potential moves against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who faces narcoterrorism charges in the U.S. While fentanyl from Mexico remains the primary driver of U.S. overdose deaths, Colombia’s cocaine, smuggled largely through the eastern Pacific, remains a critical focus of the administration’s efforts.

In a landmark decision, Brazil’s Supreme Court has officially published its ruling convicting former President Jair Bolsonaro of orchestrating a coup attempt, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s political landscape. The verdict, initially delivered in September, found Bolsonaro guilty of attempting to overthrow democracy, sentencing him to 27 years and three months in prison. Since August, the far-right leader has been under house arrest, awaiting the formalization of the judgment, which now opens a window for potential appeals. Bolsonaro’s legal team has announced plans to challenge the conviction before the full bench of 11 Supreme Court justices, though legal experts remain skeptical about the likelihood of success. The case stems from allegations that Bolsonaro, after losing the 2022 presidential election to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, conspired to violently dismantle democratic institutions, including plotting to assassinate Lula. Additional charges included participation in an armed criminal organization and attempts to abolish the rule of law. The trial has drawn international attention, with former U.S. President Donald Trump criticizing the proceedings as a “witch hunt” and imposing a 50% tariff on Brazilian imports, further straining bilateral relations. While ties between the U.S. and Brazil have since improved, the case remains a contentious issue. Bolsonaro’s co-conspirators, all former officials, have also been sentenced for their roles in the failed coup. Despite the severity of the charges, legal analysts suggest Bolsonaro may avoid imprisonment due to ongoing health issues stemming from a 2018 assassination attempt. The case is expected to conclude by year-end, with sentences enforced even if Bolsonaro remains under house arrest.

In a dramatic turn of events, Colombia’s former President Alvaro Uribe has been exonerated of fraud and bribery charges that previously led to a 12-year house arrest sentence. The convictions, which were overturned by the Superior Court in Bogotá, had marked Uribe as the first Colombian leader to face criminal conviction. The case centered on allegations that Uribe directed his lawyer to bribe imprisoned paramilitaries to refute claims of his association with their organizations. Uribe, who served as president from 2002 to 2010, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. Known for his aggressive stance against left-wing Farc rebels, Uribe remains a significant political figure in Colombia. The court’s 700-page decision highlighted the lack of credibility in the testimony of former paramilitary commander Luis Carlos Velez, who accused Uribe’s lawyer of bribery. Additionally, the court ruled that some wiretaps used in the investigation were obtained illegally. The ruling, which can still be appealed by those classified as victims, has sparked controversy. Current President Gustavo Petro, Colombia’s first left-wing leader, criticized the decision, alleging it obscures the history of paramilitary governance and political alliances with drug trafficking. Paramilitary groups, which emerged in the 1980s to combat Marxist guerrillas, have been implicated in numerous atrocities, including massacres and disappearances. Similarly, left-wing guerrilla groups have also been accused of violence against civilians. The case underscores the complex and contentious history of Colombia’s armed conflicts and political landscape.

In a significant legal development, a Colombian appeals court has overturned the conviction of former President Álvaro Uribe on charges of bribery and witness tampering. The decision, announced on Tuesday, marks a dramatic turn in a high-profile case that has captivated the nation and cast a shadow over Uribe’s political legacy. The 73-year-old conservative leader, who served as president from 2002 to 2010, was initially sentenced to 12 years of house arrest in August following a six-month trial. Prosecutors had accused Uribe of attempting to influence witnesses who alleged his involvement with paramilitary groups in the 1990s. However, the appeals court ruled that the conviction suffered from ‘structural deficiencies,’ relied on vague premises, and lacked thorough analysis. Uribe has consistently denied wrongdoing, framing the case as political persecution and alleging bias from the presiding judge. His legal team challenged the evidence’s validity, arguing that his culpability was not conclusively proven. The ruling can still be appealed to Colombia’s Supreme Court by prosecutors and victims. Uribe remains a polarizing figure in Colombia, celebrated by some for his role in stabilizing the country and criticized by others for his alleged ties to human rights abuses and paramilitary activities. The case underscores the deep political divisions and legal complexities surrounding his legacy.

In a span of less than two months, the U.S. military, under the directives of President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, has executed seven strikes against drug-smuggling vessels in the Caribbean Sea, resulting in the deaths of 32 individuals. Trump has defended these actions as a necessary escalation to combat the influx of drugs into the United States, framing the effort as an ‘armed conflict’ with drug cartels. This justification mirrors the legal authority invoked by the Bush administration during the war on terror post-9/11. However, the absence of congressional approval or a formal declaration of war has ignited a heated debate in Congress over the extent of presidential power. Lawmakers have raised concerns about the lack of concrete evidence to substantiate the strikes and the potential overreach of executive authority.