12 People Killed In Clashes In Juliaca, The Death Toll Of Anti-government Protests In Peru Increases To 34 People

Protests in Peru. (Wikimedia Commons/Giancarlo Granza)

JAKARTA - At least 12 people died following clashes in Juliaca, southern Peru, the regional health ministry said Monday, after protests demanding early elections and the release of jailed former President Pedro Castillo restarted.

The ministry said two teenagers were among the dead.

In addition, at least 38 people were injured and hospitalized in Juliaca, the ministry added in a statement published on Facebook.

In Juliaca, near the shores of Lake Titicaca in Peru's southern Puno region, a Reuters witness was quoted as saying January 10, recording gunshots and smoke in the streets, as protesters took cover behind large metal plates and road signs, then threw stones at police. using an artificial slingshot.

Other footage shows people giving CPR to a man lying motionless on the ground in a bloodstained sweater, and people with severe injuries in a crowded hospital waiting room.

The clashes brought the death toll from protesters in anti-government protests to 34 since protests began in early December following Castillo's removal and arrest shortly after he tried to illegally dissolve Congress.

Peru's Office of the Ombudsman said in a statement that the police and armed forces should not try to resolve the conflict, because doing so is the duty of Congress and the central government.

It called on police to comply with international standards on the use of force and to investigate deaths, while urging protesters to refrain from attacking property or obstructing the movement of ambulances.

Earlier on Monday, the office said a newborn had died while being transferred from Yunguyo City to a local hospital by ambulance, due to being hampered by a road blockade.

Former President Castillo is serving 18 months in pre-trial detention on rebellion charges, a charge he denies.

Protests resumed last week after a holiday break. As well as early elections and Castillo's release, protesters have called for the resignation of new President Dina Boluarte, the closing of Congress and changes to the constitution.

Speaking at a "national agreement" meeting earlier on Monday with representatives from the country's regions and various political institutions, President Boluarte said he was unable to grant some of the main demands of the protesters. He called on residents to "reflect".

"The only thing that is in my hands is to advance the election, which we have proposed," he explained.

"What you are asking for is a pretext to continue wreaking havoc in the cities," continued President Boluarte.

Separately, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights said it would pay a visit to Peru from Wednesday to Friday, visiting Lima and other cities to evaluate the situation.