A man has been killed in Lima, the Peruvian capital, and others have been hospitalized as nationwide clashes between protesters and police continue in the eighth week of the South American country. political crisis.
The death on Saturday of Victor Santisteban Jaxavelka, 55, has brought the death toll from nationwide protests that began in early December after accountability and arrest President Pedro Castillo until 58.
Initially focused on rural, hilly areas in southern Peru, the protests have gained momentum in the capital in recent weeks. Peru’s ombudsman said in a statement that Saturday’s protests were mostly in Lima and the southern region of Cusco.
The National Health Insurance Agency said in a statement that Santisteban suffered serious head injuries.
Some of the protests escalated as demonstrators armed with stones and shields clashed with police, who deployed gas and rubber bullets.
The Peruvian Ombudsman has condemned reports of attacks on journalists covering the protests.
President Dina Boulwart expressed her regret early Saturday after the congress Refusal to speed up the schedule For a presidential election amid the turmoil, her office said.
Lawmakers gave the tentative green light to move the election from 2026 to 2024, but on Friday rejected proposals to hold the election this year.
Boulwart has repeatedly endorsed running for election as she struggles to quell protests calling for her resignation.
A motion to delay the election until April 2024 passed by one vote and has a final vote in February. Congress will continue the debate on Monday.
Boluarte said on Friday Elections could be held this year.
We urge legislators to neglect their own partisan and group interests and to put Peru’s interest first. “Our citizens are immediately waiting for a clear response that will pave the way out of the political crisis and building social peace,” Polwart’s office said on Twitter.
Boulwart, who took over after Castillo’s dismissal, confirmed that she would remain president until elections were held.