Peru's political turmoil - 8th February 2023

Peru has plunged into a spiral of political unrest, igniting the worst nationwide outbreak of violence in over two decades. The protests come on the heels of the ousting of President Pedro Castillo on 7th December, who was arrested and charged with rebellion because of his attempts to oversee the dissolution of Congress in order to govern by decree.

From humble beginnings, a peasant family rather than Lima's traditional ruling elite, Castillo struck a chord with voters from rural and outlying constituencies as well as indigenous communities. It's this same support base who are now venting their fury in the streets.

Fernando Condori attended Lima's anti-government rally.

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."

Kevin Huatta, who belongs to the indigenous group known as the 'water people' from Taquile island in Lake Titicaca, has come ashore to join in the anti-government protests.

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 deputy and successor Dina Boluarte is facing major uproar and calls for her departure from office despite her endeavour to hold general elections sooner than had been slated. Fingers have been pointed at Boluarte, claiming she's responsible for almost 50 fatalities during the violence.

Attending to the wounded in Lima, here's Doctor Luz Helena Guarnez.

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."

Amidst calls for Boluarte's ousting as Peru's 6th president in 5 years, there are widespread demands for immediate general elections and the introduction of a new constitution.