Gino Costa, former member of Peru’s Congress: “The demonstrations on July 19 were peaceful, massive and took place in all regions of Peru. They voiced multiple demands, but two prevailed. The first was justice for those killed in the December, January and February protests. Sixty-seven citizens tragically lost their lives, with 49 dying of gunfire that matched those used by the security forces, as confirmed by national and international human rights organizations, including the United Nations and the Organization of American States, which investigated the incidents. The government still refuses to take political responsibility, no official has been removed or arrested, and the judicial investigations are progressing very slowly. Thus, a sense of impunity prevails. The second demand of the protesters is early elections. The government and Congress have a disapproval rating of 80 percent and 90 percent, respectively, due to the violent repression and the shelving of the proposal for early elections in 2024, which four out of five Peruvians support. This demand has resurfaced recently in the face of…”