Following an open call for a peaceful demonstration issued by candidate Roberto Sánchez (Together for Peru), hundreds of Peruvians marched through the main streets of Metropolitan Lima, demanding transparency and an investigation into the alleged irregularities in the electoral process, which had been reported by Together for Peru.
Although Lima Mayor Renzo Reggiardo ordered the closure of Lima’s Historic Center, with vehicle restrictions in effect from June 19 to 22 (pursuant to Deputy Director’s Resolution No. D002556-2026-MML-GMU-SER), the public took to the streets, exercising their right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly (Art. 2, paragraph 12 of the Constitution). The National Police (PN) provided security for the marchers throughout the entire route.
Restrictions on Free Movement
It should be noted that restrictions on free movement were also evident in access to the vicinity of the National Elections Board (JNE) in the capital city, where today the two appeals for the mass annulment of polling stations in Lima and América—filed by Juntos por el Perú—were being reviewed.
According to journalist José Manrique of RNPP, members of the public were not allowed access—except for residents—at a critical moment for the country that demands the utmost transparency. Ultimately, the JNE ruled that the two appeals for annulment, along with 27 others regarding contested election records, were unfounded.
Alternative Press Speaks Out
Minutes before the citizens’ march began, various alternative journalists and media professionals gathered in Plaza San Martín to denounce the stigmatization that some television media outlets have been carrying out against the work of the Alternative Press.
“We are here to file a formal complaint with the Peruvian government, stating that the personal and psychological safety of journalists from the alternative press is being put at risk, and we also denounce the kidnapping of our colleague Pavel, with whom we stand in solidarity, as well as our colleague Gorriti.”
It should be noted that yesterday, June 18, a criminal complaint was filed via Official Letter No. 2333-2026-PGE-PPEDCOP addressed to the head of the National Police’s Criminal Investigation Directorate against journalist Claudia Cisneros, Pavel Yábar, and others, “for the alleged commission of the crime of serious disturbance of the public peace.”
The complaint filed by the PGE (State Attorney General’s Office) prompted immediate public support for the journalists, who stated in a press release: “Criminalizing a call for peaceful protest before any concrete acts have taken place sets a precedent that threatens fundamental rights protected by our Constitution and by international human rights treaties.”