Conflict in Peru - 8th February 2023

Peru's experiencing its worst outbreak of violence in over 20 years following the arrest and detention of President Pedro Castillo on 7th December.

Castillo was arrested and detained on charges of rebellion having attempted to dissolve Congress and rule by decree. Castillo was born to a peasant family and not part of the traditional ruling elite of Lima. As such, he received greatest support from those living in rural and outlying areas as well as indigenous peoples. It's these supporters who are now taking to the streets.

Fernando Condori was part of the protests in the capital Lima.

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 so-called 'water people' of Peru have also left their island of Taquile to lend their voices to the protests. Kevin Huatta.

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 was replaced by his deputy Dina Boluarte and in spite of her attempts to get general elections brought forward, protestors are calling for her resignation. She's also been blamed for close to 50 deaths which have occurred during the violence.

Luz Helena Guarnez is a doctor treating those wounded 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."

Boluarte is Peru’s 6th president in 5 years and alongside calls for her removal and immediate elections, there are also demands for the dissolution of Congress and a new constitution.