by Laura Zangarini
The death toll rises to 39 in anti-government clashes with security forces after former President Pedro Castillo was jailed for attempted coup
At least 17 people have lost their lives near Juliaca Airport in southern Peru after protests resumed calling for early elections and the release of imprisoned former President Pedro Castillo. This is reported by the local ombudsman. The protesters, demanding the resignation of President Dina Boluarte, had tried to enter the city’s airport. The latest fatalities bring the death toll in anti-government clashes with security forces to 39 since protests began in early December following Castillo’s ouster and arrest shortly after his attempt to illegally dissolve Congress.
Castillo is in prison for 18 months for rebellion and attempted coup. The former head of state must remain in detention until June 6, 2024, a decision Castillo wants to oppose. “We call on the law enforcement authorities to use lawful, necessary and proportionate force and urge the public prosecutor’s office to initiate investigations to clarify the facts in a timely manner,” the ombudsman wrote on Twitter. The protests began after the overthrow of Parliament and the arrest of Castillo on December 7 after what was described as a “coup” his attempt to dissolve Parliament. In addition to early elections and the release of the former leader, the demonstrators are demanding the resignation of the new President Dina Boluarte, the closure of Congress and changes to the constitution.
January 10, 2023 (change January 10, 2023 | 05:19)
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