At least 2 dead in Peru protests against new government

By Laura Gamba and Merve Berker

BOGOTA,Colombia/ANKARA (AA) - Two people were killed Sunday in clashes between protesters and police in the southern Peruvian city of Andahuaylas, authorities reported.

Andahuaylas airport was closed after one person was killed in the violent protests.

Police used water cannons and tear gas against the protesters, who had erected barricades and lit fires.

Footage shared by protesters on Twitter showed the protest turning violent as police reportedly shot people from helicopters.

"We regret the death of a person, and we send our condolences to the relatives," said a statement by the police.

Fifty police officers and workers were surrounded by demonstrators at the airport on Sunday.

​​Andahuaylas Hospital also confirmed the death of an 18-year-old male who died during the protests.

Mobilizations have been growing in several cities in the South American country for the fourth day in rejection of Congress and calling for the release from prison of former leftist President Pedro Castillo, who was ousted Wednesday.

Castillo was removed from power after he attempted to dissolve Peru’s Congress. He was arrested and impeached by lawmakers the same day.

Supporters of the ousted president are calling for a general strike in the country.

Demonstrators are also demanding the resignation of the new President, Dina Boluarte, and calling for new elections.

Boluarte, who was sworn-in as Peru's first female leader Wednesday, has said she should be allowed to hold office for the remaining three and a half years of Castillo’s term, but she does not rule out calling for early elections in search of a peaceful solution to the political crisis the country is experiencing.

Boluarte expressed her condolences on Sunday for the death of the two people during the protests.

"No Peruvian's life deserves to be sacrificed for political interests. I express my condolences," she wrote on her Twitter account, adding “I reiterate my call for dialogue and an end to violence.”

​​​​​​​Police said they were taking steps to clarify the situation around the fatalities.