- Peruvian police fought with protestors.
- They called for new elections.
- Furthermore, the release of the former president is urged.
Peruvian police fought with protestors calling for new elections and the release of former President Pedro Castillo.
Sunday’s deaths came amid rallies against Castillo’s impeachment and imprisonment in northern and Andean communities.
Vice President Dina Boluarte, who replaced Castillo last week, made the announcement.
Boluarte announced she will file a measure to forward the general elections to April 2024 in the “coming days.”
Castillo, a former teacher and union leader, was ousted from his role Wednesday after he tried to dissolve Congress before an impeachment vote. Prosecutors charged the former president with insurrection and conspiracy soon after.
Many supporters of the incarcerated former leader demanded that Peru hold elections rather than allow Boluarte to stay in office until 2026.
Some demonstrators want Congress closed.
Boluarte’s announcement didn’t immediately soothe discontent.
Cajamarca, Arequipa, Huancayo, Cusco, and Puno reported protests on Sunday.
Authorities say fights broke out in Andahuaylas, Apurimac, when protesters tried to attack the airport. Local TV showed protesters firing slingshots and throwing stones while police fired tear gas.
Peru’s ombudsman said a 15-year-old and an 18-year-old died “likely from gunshot wounds”
Baltazar Lantaron, governor of Apurimac, told Canal N that “four injuries were reported, three with scalp wounds and various injuries.”
Police deployed tear gas to disperse demonstrators at Lima’s legislative palace.
Inside the palace, a Congress emergency session to examine the problem was postponed after physical altercations broke out. Social media photographs show a man striking another from behind and members shoving in the chamber.
Premier Pedro Angulo said Boluarte’s newly appointed Cabinet met Sunday night to examine the disturbance and decide how to respond.
Rural unions and Indigenous groups called for an “indefinite strike” beginning Tuesday to support Castillo, a peasant.
Agrarian and Rural Front of Peru urged Castillo’s immediate release, suspension of Congress, early elections, and a new constitution.
Nine in 10 Peruvians disapprove of the legislature, according to recent polls.
Peru’s 6th president since 2016.
The Andes region and its thousands of tiny farmers are struggling to endure the worst drought in 50 years.
More than 33 million people live in the country, which has seen 4.3 million COVID-19 infections and 217,000 fatalities since the pandemic began.
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