1 dead, 1 injured amid attacks on Peru court, police station
Lima, Jan 18 (EFE).- A woman died and a man was injured in clashes between protesters and law enforcement on Wednesday in the city of Macusani, in the Peruvian region of Puno, where it was also reported that the courthouse and police station were set on fire.
This latest death brought the total number of fatalities during the anti-government protests around the country to 52 since they began in December.
San Martín de Porres de Macusani Hospital said in a statement that at 6.20 pm local time, a woman of around 35 years of age identified as Sonia Aguilar Quispe, a resident of Ayapata district, was admitted “without vital signs.”
The hospital added that half an hour later, 30-year-old Salomón Valenzuela Chua was admitted with “open chest trauma” and reserved a prognosis.
“Currently, health personnel are guaranteeing timely care for the injured person who remains hospitalized. We call on the population to remain calm and avoid situations that put their lives and physical integrity at risk,” the statement concluded.
Local media reported that during the afternoon there were clashes in Macusani between protesters and security forces, which included the town’s judicial headquarters and police station being set on fire.
Images released during the night showed the Macusani police station ablaze, with officers reportedly rescued by helicopter, as well as the courthouse on fire.
The president of the judiciary, Javier Arévalo, told outlet Canal N he sees “a pattern” of attacks against the judiciary, the prosecutor’s office and the police.
“It seems that someone is trying to destroy the administration of justice and investigation to hide something, and that is worrying,” he said.
He asked the president of Peru, Dina Boluarte, to “find the right balance and establish order.”
So far, the protests have left 42 protesters and one police officer dead, while another nine people have died due to causes such as roadblocks and demonstrations.
The protesters demand the resignation of Boluarte and the closure of Congress, as well as general elections this year and a constituent assembly. EFE
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