Thousands have fiercely defended Peru’s ousted president, Pedro Castillo. Dina Boluarte became the country’s leader last week after Castillo was ousted by Congress.
Violent demonstrations have continued in Peru. At least two people were killed in clashes between security forces and protesters in the southern city of Andahuaylas on Sunday.
One of the dead was a teenage protester, the country’s human rights ombudsman’s office said. In addition, the police say that five people were injured in Andahuaylas on Sunday.
Andahulyas Airport was closed due to unrest.
On Saturday, 20 people were injured in the same city, four of whom were police officers. In the clashes, the protesters have reportedly thrown stones at the police. The police used tear gas.
The new president immediately faced headwinds
The protesters are against Peru’s new president, Dina Boluarte, who replaced Pedro Castillo, who was ousted by Congress.
Castillo’s supporters are calling for his release.
Boluarte seems to be yielding to the protesters’ demands and is trying to calm the situation by promising elections in 2024.
– Interpreting the will of the people, I have decided to seek an agreement with the Congress to promote the fact that the elections could be held in April 2024, Boluaerte said in a televised speech.
Enraged by Castillo’s ouster, the protesters demanded new elections in the country.
Boluarte, who started as Peru’s first female president, announced her new government on Saturday.
Rural trade unions supporting Castillo and organizations representing the indigenous population have announced a long strike starting on Tuesday.
The ousted ex-president enjoys support in the Andes
The ousted Castillo was arrested on his way to the Mexican embassy, where he allegedly intended to seek asylum. Castillo is charged with rebellion and conspiracy.
Congress ousted Castillo immediately after he had tried to dissolve Congress and form a provisional government in a speech. Castillo has been accused of a coup, but his supporters have defended the ex-president’s actions.
Castillo, who has worked as a rural teacher and union leader, enjoys his strongest popularity in the Andes, while in the coastal capital of Lima he has faced strong resistance. However, over the weekend, the protests supporting Castillo also spread to Lima.
Previously on:
Peru got its first female president amid a political storm.
Sources: STT, AFP, AP