Protests In Peru Colored By Burns Of Historical Buildings To Airport Attacks, PM Alberto Otarola: This Is Sabotage

Thousands of protesters packed the capital Peru as riots spread, buildings burned, demanding President Bouarte resign, angered by the increasing death toll since riots erupted last month and calling for massive changes.

By bus and walking, thousands of people traveled to Lima on Thursday, carrying flags and banners condemning the government and police for deadly clashes in the southern cities of Ayacucho and Juliaca.

Police expect the protesters to be around 3,500, but others have speculated that the number is more than double.

A line of police in riot gear faced off against protesters throwing stones on several roads. One historic building in the city center caught fire on Thursday night.

The building at Plaza San Martin was empty when a massive blaze broke out without any known cause, a fire brigade commander told local radio.

Meanwhile, Canadian-based mining company Hudbay said in a statement protesters had entered the location of the Peru unit, damaging and burning the engine and vehicle.

"This is not a protest; this is sabotage against the rule of law," Prime Minister Alberto Otarola said late Thursday with President Dina Bouarte and other government ministers.

Interior Minister Vicente Romero has denied claims circulating on social media that fires in Lima were caused by a police officer's tear gas grenade.

Over the past month, sometimes deadly protests have led to the worst violence Peru has experienced in more than two decades.

Many people in rural areas who are poorer have vented anger on the government of Lima over inequality and price increases, testing the copper-rich country.

Protesters demanded President Boiarte's resignation, rapid elections to the new constitution.

"We want Dina Bouarte's seizures to step down and call for a new election," said protester Jose De la Rosa.

The protests have been sparked by the ouster of former left-wing President Pedro Castillo on December 7, after he tried to illegally close the Congress and consolidate power.

Apart from the capital, clashes have also occurred in other cities. In southern Arequipa, police fired tear gas at hundreds of protesters who tried to take over the airport, local television showed, causing officials to announce suspension of operations at Arequipa and Casco airports.

President Boarte said late Thursday, the airport, and one in the southern city of Juliaca, had been attacked "together."

"All legal powers will fall to those who have acted with vandalism," said President Bouarte.

It is known that an increasing death toll reached 45, according to the government's ombudsman, with Thursday's latest victim originating from the southern Puno region, a woman who died from injuries the day before. Nine other deaths were caused by accidents linked to the protest blockade.

Meanwhile, transportation officials said there was a road blockade in 18 of the 25 regions in Peru.

Police have stepped up surveillance of roads entering Lima and political leaders calling for calm.

Human rights groups accused police and soldiers of using lethal firearms in the protests. Meanwhile, police said protesters had used homemade weapons and explosives.