New protests in Peru: Big fire in Lima after protest

Violent riots erupted during new anti-government protests in Peru, and a massive fire broke out in the capital, Lima. The anger of the protesters is primarily directed against the head of state, Polwart.

Demonstrators and police officers have faced fierce clashes in the capital Lima during protests against the Peruvian government. Government protesters hurled stones and firecrackers at police officers, and officers fired tear gas at the crowd, which was seen on television.

According to a report by RBB radio station, the protesters tried to infiltrate the Congress. Several people were injured in the clashes, and a building in central Lima caught fire. More than 25 fire departments are working to prevent the fire from spreading to neighboring houses, Fire Brigade Commander Mario Casaretto told RPP. It said the fire was “out of control”. It is not known at first whether this protest has anything to do with it.

Demonstrators are demanding the resignation of the head of state

The protests are against the government of interim President Dina Boluarte. In a speech in the evening, he called on the protesters to engage in dialogue and announced consequences for “those who want to create chaos and disorder”.

Demonstrators are demanding the resignation of the head of state, the dissolution of Congress and the release of jailed ex-president Pedro Castillo. The former village school teacher dissolved the Congress in December seeking to prevent a no-confidence vote. He was subsequently removed from office by Parliament. He has been arrested and placed under house arrest on charges of coup attempt.

Protests have been going on for weeks across the country

Thousands of people, mainly from southern Peru, came to Lima on Thursday under the slogan “Toma de Lima” (Take Lima). “We want Dina Boluarte gone, she lied to us,” the AP news agency quoted Samuel Acero, a farmer who heads the regional opposition group for the Andean city of Cusco, as saying.

Anger at the new head of state is a common thread in the protests. Street vendors sold t-shirts speaking out against Polwart. In the afternoon, protesters turned major city streets into large pedestrian zones.

Violent protests also took place in other parts of the South American country. In the city of Arequipa, one person died and ten were injured, according to the state ombudsman’s office. Dozens of people have died in Peru since protests began in December.