Death toll rises to 8 in anti-government protests in Peru

BOGOTA, Colombia

The death toll has risen to eight in Peru amid widespread protests that began after former President Pedro Castillo was removed from office last week, according to local media.

Peruvian news outlets reported on Wednesday that thousands had gathered across the country, including the capital Lima and other cities like Puno, Cusco, Tacna and Arequipa, to demand the resignation of new president Dina Boluarte.

According to local media, the eighth victim died in a clash between police and demonstrators.

On Wednesday, Peru declared a 30-day nationwide state of emergency in the wake of widespread protests following Castillo's ouster.

"A state of emergency has been declared for the whole country, due to the acts of vandalism and violence, the seizure of highways and roads," said Defense Minister Alberto Otarola.

The state of emergency entails the suspension of the right to assemble and freedom of transit, among others. The government is evaluating the possibility of declaring a curfew.

Castillo was impeached and arrested last week after attempting to dissolve parliament. His removal has sparked days of protests.

Protesters have blocked roads with rocks, logs, and burned tires, interrupting traffic along the southern Pan-American Highway that connects Peru and Chile. Dozens have been hospitalized as a result of protests in Lima, Apurimac, Huancavelica and Arequipa, according to the Health Ministry.

The army has been deployed to protect public spaces across the country, said Otarola.

Supporters of Castillo are demanding his release and new elections. Last week, a judge ordered Castillo held for seven days but prosecutors filed a request Tuesday to hold him in detention for 18 months on charges of rebellion and conspiracy.

In a letter posted on Twitter, Castillo called for supporters to gather at the detention center in Lima where he is being held.

He accused Attorney General Patricia Benavides of orchestrating what he called a "coup d'etat" against him.

Though his successor Boluarte proposed elections in April 2024 instead of April 2026, she has failed to calm escalating tensions in the South American nation.

Previously, Boluarte, who was Castillo's former vice president, established a state of emergency in the regions of Arequipa, Ica, and Apurimac.

She is the country's sixth president in less than five years. Former President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski resigned during his impeachment process in 2018 and Martin Vizcarra was removed by Congress in 2020.