• Peru’s political crisis worsened on Tuesday when a police officer was killed in a fire in his car.
• At least 40 people have died as a result of the turmoil.
• PM Alberto Otarola has declared a three-day overnight curfew in Puno.

After 17 citizens were killed in protests the day before, all of which were started by the removal of President Pedro Castillo last month, Peru’s political crisis worsened on Tuesday when a police officer was killed in a fire in his car.

According to the interior ministry, “unknown persons” attacked the murdered officer’s vehicle early on Tuesday morning in Juliaca, which is in the southern Puno region, inflicting multiple head injuries on another officer.

Senior ministry official Jorge Angulo told local media that investigators were looking for further information about the gruesome incident.

“At this moment, an autopsy is being performed to fully identify the form and circumstances in which he was injured, practically burned to death,” Angulo told broadcaster Canal N.

In southern Peru, including Puno, a three-day mourning period began on Tuesday after 17 people lost their lives on Monday during the deadliest day of protests since the Marxist Castillo was overthrown by MPs when he attempted to dissolve Congress illegally.

Prime Minister Alberto Otarola appeared before Congress, which is controlled by the opposition, in an effort to formally launch the new administration. He requested that members approve a vote of confidence in President Dina Boluarte’s cabinet, which is required to form a new government.

Supporters of Castillo claim he was the victim of a coup and are calling for both Boluarte’s resignation and his release from prison. To date, at least 40 people have died as a result of the turmoil.

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Otarola attributed the deaths on Monday to coordinated attacks funded by “black” money. The state ombudsman also claimed that 68 citizens and 75 police officers were hurt in addition to the fatalities.

In an effort to stop the violence, the prime minister declared a three-day overnight curfew in Puno later on Tuesday.

On Monday night, footage from the local media revealed shoplifting in Puno, while on Tuesday the Juliaca airport remained closed.

Castillo is being probed for inciting rebellion, a charge he rejects, and has been ordered to remain in pre-trial prison throughout this time.

The nation’s legitimate president, according to the former rural teacher, is still in office.

Castillo declared on Twitter that no one will ever forget those who died “defending the country from the coup dictatorship.”

In a second statement, the United Nations encouraged respect for human rights and offered to mediate the crisis. Later this week, a mission from the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights will visit Peru to investigate the situation.

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