“As part of International Day of Democracy, We support the fundamental principles of democracy, including a vibrant civil society, separation of powers and the independence of institutions“, begins the statement issued by the eight embassies of Australia, Argentina, Canada, the United States, Finland, Mexico, France and the United Kingdom.

It is interpreted as a statement on the moment that the country is experiencing, in which the Congress of the Republic was questioned on several fronts for having opened a summary investigation against the National Council of Justice. This has been characterized as interference in the judicial system, with the aim of dismissing judges and prosecutors, as well as exercising control over other state institutions, such as the National Office of Electoral Processes (ONPE) and the jury of national elections (JNE).

The statement goes on to reaffirm its commitment to supporting the democracy in Peru and remember that they value their enduring friendship with the Peruvian people. The international declaration implies Mexicoa country with which Peru maintains diplomatic relations which have been worn down by the declarations of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador to defend Peter Castillo, denying his coup attempt. After that, the Congress of the Republic named him persona “non grata.” However, countries like United States and United Kingdomwith whom they maintain good bilateral relations.

Let us recall that this decision by Congress, to arbitrarily investigate members of the National Council of Justice, has been condemned on several fronts. Political parties of different colors, mainly center and left ideologies, social, trade union, human rights organizations, business unions, universities and even religious organizations like the Peruvian Episcopal Conference and National Evangelical Commission.

Likewise, the United Nations (UN) and nine other international organizations have expressed their concern about this measure, which could lead to the total abolition of the judicial institution. “The JNJ has a crucial role in maintaining the balance of power and for the the administration of justice in the country, which includes the appointment, after a public competition of merit and personal evaluation, of judges and prosecutors at all levels, as well as those who head the country’s electoral bodies,” the UN said.

“It is only by defending and guaranteeing the principles of separation and balance of powers that we can hope to consolidate a just and democratic society for the benefit of all,” he concluded. The resident coordinator of this organization in Peru, Igor Garafulić, questioned in a press release the “summary investigation” against the JNJ. This lead to Chancellery to express their “strangeness” about it.

According to Political constitution, the Peruvian government “is unitary, representative, decentralized and organized according to the principle of separation of powers. There are three powers: Executive power, legislative power and judicial power. Each of them being autonomous and independent.

Redes, a civil organization, explains that everyone is essential to apply the necessary checks and balances in the political system, so that no power exceeds its powers.