After the dismissal, then the arrest of President Pedro Castillo who had attempted a putsch last week, the demonstrations took a violent turn in Peru.
The new Peruvian president Dina Boularte may well promise early elections for April 2024, the announcement obviously did not calm people’s minds. This Monday, some 2000 protesters invaded the airport of Arequipa, the second city of the country.
Protesters blocked take-off and landing strips at the international airport with rocks, sticks and burning tires. A warehouse was also set on fire. The protesters demand the release of ex-president Pedro Castillo, the dissolution of Congress and snap elections now. The police tried to regain control of the situation, but encountered resistance from protesters.
Operating company Aeropuertos Andinos del Peru evacuated all staff and passengers and announced the complete closure of Arequipa airport until further notice. Elsewhere in the country too, the demonstrations are multiplying. This Monday, several major highways are blocked, including the Panamerican. And the agrarian unions and peasant and indigenous organizations are calling for a national strike from this Tuesday.
Clashes at Arequipa airport resulted in the death of one person. Another died during a march repelled by riot police in Chinchero, in the Apurimac region, birthplace of Dina Boluarte. These two deaths bring the total death toll in the past 36 hours to four.