Conflict in Peru - 8th February 2023

The streets of Peru look like a battlefield as the country experiences the most violent protests in over 20 years. The protests spread across the country after President Pedro Castillo was jailed on 7th December.

Castillo was arrested after he attempted to remove congress and make himself the country's only leader. Castillo wasn’t born into wealth as his family were farmers. As a result, he attracted many voters from indigenous and rural communities. It's these supporters who are now protesting against the government.

Fernando Condori's protesting for political change.

Fernando Condori: "We are here because the Andean peoples cannot be silenced by bullets, but we are here to defend ourselves against this oppressive and dictatorial government."

The indigenous community, which lives on Taquile island, has also joined the protests. Kevin Huatta's requesting laws which represent indigenous people.

Kevin Huatta: "We want a new constitution, one that represents the true people of Taquile, native Peruvians, the region of Puno, and our brothers and sisters throughout Peru who live far away from the capital."

Castillo's vice president, Dina Boluarte, is now in power. Although she's attempted to call general elections early, people are demanding that she resigns immediately. They blame her for the deaths of over 50 people in the protests.

Doctor Luz Helena Guarnez is looking after injured protestors in Lima.

Luz Helena Guarnez: "Today we have an average of ten people who have come to our care posts and they have mainly been wounded by pellets and there have also been contusions by pellets and some people have come with fractures."

Peru's had 6 presidents in 5 years. However, people are demanding Boluarte resign, congress shut down and a new set of laws be introduced.