Peru clashes leave at least 17 dead in fresh political turmoil

A new wave of clashes between supporters of the former president and security forces in south-eastern Peru has left 17 people dead, officials have said. 

The violence is some of the worst seen since ex-President Pedro Castillo was arrested last month for trying to dissolve Congress. His supporters have been protesting for weeks.

PM Alberto Otarola denounced the clashes in Juliaca, describing them as an organised attack on police. 

He claims thousands of people had tried to take over the city’s airport and local police station. 

But a protester told AFP news agency: “The police are shooting at us.”

“We ask Dina to resign. Accept the fact that people do not want you.”  

Years of political turmoil 

The South American nation has been through years of poltical mess, with the latest crisis coming to a head when Mr Castillo announced he was dissolving Congress and introducing a state of emergency in December. But Congress proceeded to impeach him.

Castillo is being investigated on charges of rebellion and conspiracy. He denies all accusations, insisting that he is still the country’s legitimate president.