Peru has declared a 30-day nationwide state of emergency as clashes between police and protesters rage on in several areas over Castillo’s Dec 7 impeachment and arrest.
At least 569 people, including 216 security personnel, have been injured in the capital Lima and other regions, including Apurimac, Ancash, Ayacucho, Cajamarca, Cusco, Moquegua, and Puno, Anadolu agency reported, citing Peru ombudsman’s office.
Protests have been most violent in Ayacucho and Apurimac, which together account for 13 of all reported fatalities.
Peru’s national coordinator for human rights, a coalition of civil society groups, called for an immediate stop to the use of force against protesters, urging authorities to conduct thorough investigations and punish those responsible.
Protesters are demanding the resignation of Peru’s new president Dina Boluarte, the dissolution of parliament, and a schedule for new elections.
They are also pressing for Castillo’s immediate release, with calls only growing louder after the Supreme Court ruled on Thursday that he will remain in detention for 18 months as he faces charges of rebellion and conspiracy.
MNA/PR