Peruvian interim president faces calls to resign after protesters killed

Thousands have taken to the streets in days of protests against Merino following the removal of his predecessor, Martin Vizcarra, who was impeached on corruption allegations on Monday, accusations he denies, aljazeera.com wrote.

“I ask Mr. Merino to evaluate his immediate resignation,” Congress head, Luis Valdez, said in a statement to Channel N television.

The ultimatum came after news of the death of two protesters during a massive peaceful march in the capital Lima, which was violently repressed by police firing shotgun pellets and tear gas.

The Ombudsman’s Office said the first fatality, a 25-year-old man, was killed by pellet shots to the head and face.

The Health Ministry said 94 people were hospitalized with injuries sustained during the protests.

The police tactics have been criticized by the UN and rights organizations such as Amnesty International since the protests began on Tuesday.

Nine of the 18 ministers in Merino’s cabinet announced their resignation after the police crackdown.

Prime Minister Antero Flores-Araoz told reporters that Vizcarra’s removal had been legal. He said Merino had no intention of caving to demands from protesters that he resign.

“This was a constitutional change,” Flores-Araoz said. “We ask people for understanding. We don’t want to descend into chaos and anarchy.”

source irandaily