Officials report that at least 17 people have died in skirmishes in southeast Peru between supporters of the former president and security personnel.
The deadliest violence since ex-President Pedro Castillo’s arrest last month for attempting to dissolve Congress resulted in dozens more injuries on Monday in Juliaca.
For weeks, his fans have been staging demonstrations and roadblocks.
They demand early elections and demand the resignation of the new president, Dina Boluarte.
The Juliaca skirmishes were condemned by Prime Minister Alberto Otárola, who called it a planned assault on the police.
He said that a local police station and the city’s airport had both been attacked by many protesters.
One protester said that the cops were shooting at them the news agency AFP in the meantime.
“Dina is asked to step down. Recognize that others do not want you, “said the demonstrator.
The Puno region, which has seen a spike in anti-government protests, is where Juliaca is situated.
Years of political unrest have plagued the South American country, and the most recent crisis reached a climax in December when Mr. Castillo declared a state of emergency and dissolved the legislature.
However, the impeachment motion was passed by a considerable margin by Congress.
Mr. Castillo, who is presently in custody, is being looked into on suspicion of insurrection and conspiracy. He insists that he is still the nation’s lawful president and refutes all of the charges.
