Protests Escalate in Lima: Calls for Resignation and New Elections as Violence Erupts Over Peru's Interim President
Violent protests continue in Lima as demonstrators clash with police, demanding the resignation of interim President Dina Boluarte. The crackdown by security forces has led to accusations of human rights abuses and sparked widespread outrage. The situation remains tense, with further protests planned for July 28.
Violence erupted once again in Lima over the weekend as protesters clashed with police during renewed demonstrations against Peru's interim president, Dina Boluarte.
The capital city became a battleground as demonstrators called for Boluarte's resignation and demanded new elections. Boluarte assumed power in December following the ousting and arrest of former leftist president Pedro Castillo, a move that sparked accusations of power grabbing and ignited months of nationwide protests.
Peru police clash with protesters demanding president step down pic.twitter.com/fvuVvNduyD
— Michael Burea (@MichaelBurea) July 23, 2023
The ensuing crackdown by security forces has been met with outrage, with human rights groups estimating that nearly 50 people have been killed as a result. Human Rights Watch has accused authorities of engaging in extrajudicial and arbitrary killings.
In response, more than 4,000 protesters took to the streets of Lima last Wednesday to demand accountability for the deaths of fellow demonstrators. Tensions escalated on Saturday when police fired tear gas to disperse a crowd occupying the central San Martin square.
Three civilians were detained in scuffles with security forces, according to the ombudsman's office and human rights organizations. Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the clashes. While the Saturday gathering saw the participation of hundreds of protesters from unions and leftist groups, centrist and center-right factions were notably absent.
Further demonstrations are scheduled for July 28, a national holiday commemorating Peru's independence from Spain in 1821. These protests serve as yet another manifestation of the deep-rooted anger and frustration felt by many Peruvians towards Boluarte's presidency.
The interim president, who is 61 years old, is currently under investigation by the public prosecutor's office for alleged genocide, qualified homicide, and serious injuries. Despite the charges, Boluarte is protected from prosecution due to her political immunity.
Even if concrete charges were to be filed against her, Boluarte cannot face a court until her mandate ends in 2026. This has only fueled the protesters' calls for her immediate resignation and for the holding of free and fair elections. The situation in Peru remains highly volatile, with the population growing increasingly restless and demanding change.
