Protests in Peru: Protests erupted in Peru a month ago when socialist Castillo, who was under investigation for bribery, was removed from office and detained on accusations of insurrection after attempting to dissolve parliament and govern by decree. Curfews were enforced in areas of Peru to try to manage violent protests after skirmishes between protestors and police in the southern city of Ayacucho left seven people dead and more than 50 wounded.
Lima: Peru declared a curfew in the southern Puno area on Tuesday in an attempt to quell violent protests, a day after 18 people were murdered in clashes between protestors and police authorities.
Prime Minister Alberto Otarola announced a three-day nighttime curfew from 8:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. (0100 to 0900 GMT).
It comes as the death toll after a month of rallies over the ouster of former President Pedro Castillo has risen to 40, including the 18 slain Monday night.
The Puno area, which borders Bolivia and is home to numerous Aymara indigenous people, has become the core of the Castillo supporters’ protest campaign.
Protesters stole stores and assaulted police cars in the area overnight.
The majority of the violence occurred when demonstrators attempted to attack the Juliaca airport, which was guarded by security troops. According to a medical official in Juliaca, fourteen individuals were murdered, several of them had gunshot wounds.
Three additional individuals were killed during the ransacking of a retail complex in Juliaca, with the latest confirmed casualty being a police officer who died when his vehicle was set on fire, according to the United Nations. The administration has justified the conduct of security officers in Juliaca, alleging that troops defending the airport faced an orchestrated “coup” attempt by thousands of protestors.
However, UN Human Rights Office spokesman Marta Hurtado urged authorities to “conduct fast, impartial, and effective investigations into the fatalities and injuries, holding those responsible accountable, and ensuring victims have access to justice and restitution.”
Protests erupted a month ago when socialist Castillo, who was under investigation for bribery, was removed from office and detained on accusations of insurrection after attempting to dissolve parliament and govern by decree.
Tensions have subsequently risen in Puno and Juliaca, where a week-long general strike has caused companies to close.
Demonstrators have blocked roads in six of the country’s twenty-five departments. According to officials, there are 53 distinct road obstacles.
Peru Orders Curfew in Violent Region Following 18 Deaths During Protests
