By Enyichukwu Enemanna
At least two of Peru’s cabinet members on Friday announced their resignation following deadly protests that have rocked the country since former president Pedro Castillo was removal from office and arrested last week.
Education Minister Patricia Correa and Culture Minister Jair Perez quit from office, citing the deaths of individuals during the unrest.
“This morning (Friday) I presented my letter of resignation from the position of education minister. The death of compatriots has no justification. State violence cannot be disproportionate and cause death,” Correa said.
The resignations came as Congress failed to pass a constitutional reform that would bring forward presidential elections to December 2023.
Protesters are demanding the release of ousted president Pedro Castillo, who was replaced by his Vice President Dina Boluarte, and sworn in on December 7.
The are demanding Boluarte’s resignation and for fresh elections to be held.
Although Boluarte said she would bring forward elections from 2026 to December 2023, Congress rejected an amendment to the constitution that would allow this to happen. Leftist parties said they would only support an amendment if it included broader constitutional reform.
The protests continued Friday, with key roads blockaded and airports forced to close. At least 17 people have been killed in the protests so far.
The United Nations expressed deep concern over reports of deaths and detentions of minors involved in the demonstrations.
