Authorities said 12 more people were killed in another clash between protesters and police on Monday. At least 40 people have lost their lives on the streets since President Pedro Castillo launched a self-coup for which he was eventually deposed and arrested. That day, protests began across the country demanding new elections and the sacking of the entire ruling class, keeping Castillo’s successor, Dina Boluarte, in check.
According to the Peruvian Ombudsman’s Office, the 12 dead occurred in clashes near Juliaca Airport in the Puno region. From there, some demonstrators were transferred to two hospitals. “We call on law enforcement authorities to use legal, necessary and proportionate force, and we call on the Peruvian Public Prosecutor’s Office to conduct an expeditious investigation to clarify the facts,” this agency added on social networks.
Far from offering condolences to the victims, Boluarte showed his colder side at a public event after learning of those who died in Juliaca, a province in Peru’s southern highlands: “They come in protest of what they are asking, it is not understood what they are asking because (… .) What you are asking is an excuse to continue creating chaos”. This week it was announced that Peruvian prosecutors are investigating the president over the deaths of 28 people during the protests.
“Killer dynasty. don’t kill us anymore Please cancel. You are a mother,” family members at Carlos Mongue Medrano Hospital in Juliaca pleaded between sobs. Projectiles hit the nine bodies, according to the hospital’s director, Enrique Sotomayor.
Among the twelve deceased are one minor and five boys under the age of 23. According to the health network, 38 people were injured in clashes with law enforcement agencies. On the other hand, the National Police reported 23 wounded soldiers.
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