Protesters in Peru force airport to close

HUNDREDS of people protesting against the removal of Peru’s former president have used burning tyres and rocks to block an airport runway.

Demonstrators demanded an election and the immediate resignation of Dina Boluarte, the new president, following the arrest of Pedro Castillo, her Leftist predecessor, last week after he attempted to dissolve Congress and rule by decree.

Police used tear gas on demonstrators who smashed runway lights and forced the airport to close in the southern city of Andahuaylas on Sunday.

Two of the protesters died and at least five were injured in the confrontation – including a police officer – as

demonstrators attempted to storm the city’s airport.

Ms Boluarte tried to ease tensions following the incident by announcing that she will seek to hold elections two years early – in April 2024 instead of July 2026, while also declaring a state of emergency in flashpoint areas.

Protests continued yesterday as more road blocks were set up in several cities such as Arequipa in the south, Cusco in the south-east and Libertad in the north. Ms Boluarte, a former prosecutor who had served as Mr Castillo’s vicepresident, was quickly sworn in to replace him following his impeachment and subsequent arrest last week.

Ms Boluarte said: “No Peruvian’s life should be sacrificed for any political interests.”

Mr Castillo was arrested last Wednesday while heading to the Mexican embassy to seek asylum, and prosecutors have charged him with rebellion and conspiracy. The former president’s 17-month rule was overshadowed by six investigations into him and his family, mass protests demanding his removal, and a power struggle with the opposition-backed Congress. Peru is now on its sixth president since 2016.