(Photo : ERNESTO BENAVIDES/AFP via Getty Images)
In an effort to quell the thousands of irate protesters calling for her resignation, Peruvian President Dina Boluarte sought dialogue with political leaders.
Anti-government protesters clashed with police in Peru's capital, Lima, as demonstrators demanded President Dina Boluarte to step down from from power.
Numerous individuals came from isolated areas where scores of people have perished as a result of the instability that has engulfed the nation ever since Peru's first president with an Andean rural background was ousted last month, per AP News.
The demonstrations exposed severe gaps between Peru's urban elite, mostly in Lima, and the country's destitute rural populations. It was triggered by the detention of Pedro Castillo, the former president who was ousted after a botched effort to dissolve Congress. He will likely face a trial for rebellion.
Tear gas and scuffles broke up a mostly peaceful Thursday. Everyone could be encouraged by the government to work remotely.
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Conflicts intensified after dark, and late Friday night, a significant fire broke out in a structure close to the historic Plaza San Martin.
Si estás cerca del #incendio registrado a inmediaciones de la Plaza San Martín:
⚠️Aléjate del área incendiada
⚠️Por favor, ayúdanos siguiendo las indicaciones de nuestros efectivos 👮🏽 y hermanos bomberos 👨🏾🚒👩🏾🚒
Tú #RT puede ayudar mucho. pic.twitter.com/5URWlxofqY— Policía Nacional del Perú (@PoliciaPeru) January 20, 2023
Peruvian police estimated the number of angry protesters at 3,500, who demanded Boluarte's resignation. Some said that the crowd size was higher than what was reported, per Al Jazeera.
Boluarte Seeks Dialogue
After skirmishes between protestors and police during widespread rallies resulted in one death and 30 injuries, Peruvian President Dina Boluarte has appealed for dialogue.
In a media conference on Thursday evening, Boluarte urged people in political authority to keep a level head and to engage in talks to address the matter, according to CNN.
"Have a more honest and objective look at the country; let's talk," Boluarte said.
Public outcry about the use of disproportionate force, including weapons, against protesters in recent weeks has been leveled at the government. Authorities, however, refute this report, saying that the methods they use to quell protesters adhere to international regulations, HNGN earlier reported.
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