The Peru protest deaths continue to pile up as violent clashes between law enforcement personnel and demonstrators become inevitable, with one police officer burning to death in a patrol car.
One protester also died while several other police officers were injured in Cusco as officials ordered health facilities to be on red alert. Demonstrators tried to forcefully enter the Alejandro Velasco Astete International airport during curfew on Wednesday, said the Interior Minister.
Peru Protest Deaths
One member of the Anansaya Urinsaya Ccollana de Anta indigenous community was later reported to have been killed while in the city. That casualty brought the latest death toll nationwide to 48 since the beginning of the protests in December. The demonstrators were sparked after the ousting and subsequent arrest of former President Pedro Castillo.
Castillo's arrest was due to his attempt to dissolve Congress to maintain power. The Ombudsman's statement said they were demanding an immediate investigation to find the people responsible for the death of the indigenous member and later proceed to the respective sanctions, as per CNN.
A report by the Ministry of the Interior said that the Regional Health Management of Cusco had placed all health establishments within its territory on red alert in response to the protests. Thousands of people in Juliaca have also paid their respects to the dead by parading coffins through the streets. The city is home to almost half of the deaths that have occurred.
Peruvian citizens who held black flags also marched through Puno's streets as others shouted, "The bloodshed will never be forgotten." On Tuesday, the office of the country's top prosecutor launched an inquiry into newly elected President Dina Boluarte and senior cabinet ministers over deadly clashes.
Demonstrators have demanded that Boluarte, the former vice president of Castillo, resign, have called on Congress to dissolve, changes to the Constitution, and the release of the former president.
Read Also: US Warned Over Weapon Supply to Ukraine
Demand for Boluarte to Resign
However, the new government under Boluarte won a vote of confidence in Congress by a wide margin on Tuesday evening. Even a loss would have resulted in a cabinet reshuffle and the resignation of Prime Minister Alberto Otarola.
The police officer who burned to death was on patrol before protesters attacked him in Puno. The law enforcement personnel was later identified as 29-year-old Jose Luis Soncco Quispe. He was with a fellow officer in Juliaca on Monday night before the incident, according to Fox News.
The victim's partner, identified as Ronald Villasante Toque, said that the assailants were "detained and physically attacked by some 350 protesters." He was taken to a hospital in Lima after suffering multiple head injuries as the attackers beat him. He added that he was unaware of what had happened to his partner during that time.
In the Puno region, 17 of the casualties related to the violent protests were set to be buried on Thursday. Other areas, considered essential tourism sectors, such as Cusco and Arequipa, have experienced significant protests, said Inquirer.
Related Article : UAE Oil Chief To Lead COP28 Climate Talks
