Peru's deadly protests prompt officials to close Cusco's popular tourist hub airport and trains
CBSNov 25, 2022
Peru: Police, Protesters Battle as Thousands Try to ‘Take Lima’
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Image copyright: Associated Press
The Facts
Clashes between riot police and protesters were reported on Thursday evening in the Peruvian capital after the massive "takeover of Lima" march demanding the resignation of Pres. Dina Boluarte deteriorated into violence.
An estimate of at least 3.5K demonstrators gathered in Lima's historic downtown, with some of them throwing rocks to try to get through police lines that barred them from reaching key government buildings and police officers responding with tear gas.
The Spin
Establishment-critical narrative
Through its brutal actions, the Boluarte regime forfeited any legitimacy to lead the divided country. Even curfews cannot keep impoverished Peruvians from standing up for Castillo and democracy. The fury is justified since it was Washington that orchestrated the coup against Castillo to secure US corporate and geopolitical interests. It's time for US imperialism and its increasingly repressive Peruvian puppet government to accept reality and return Peru to the Peruvians.
Pro-establishment narrative
Boluarte has the right to continue Castillo's remaining term after his failed coup attempt. While most Peruvians supported Castillo's ouster and arrest, it is nevertheless true that Boluarte has so far failed to quell general public discontent and stabilize the situation. While the protests have included acts of vandalism and looting, which no government in the world would stand idly by, Boluarte must now ensure that the security forces' crackdown does not escalate further. Otherwise, her days in office are likely numbered.
