What’s behind the political unrest in Peru | DW News

Anti-government protests erupted after Dina Boluarte was sworn in as Peru’s president in early December. Now, just over a month after her inauguration, the police response to protests has led to the deaths of more than 40 people, with hundreds injured. Boluarte, the former vice president, came to power when President Pedro Castillo, elected in June 2021, announced plans to dissolve Congress, but was then arrested on charges of attempting a coup. This, in turn, sparked broad unrest in the country. At least 17 people were killed, including a police officer, in Juliaca on Monday. The public prosecutor’s office has launched an investigation into Boluarte, Prime Minister Alberto Otarola and other Cabinet members on suspicion of crimes of genocide and aggravated homicide and bodily injuries. This is the second such investigation into Boluarte’s actions because of protest-related deaths. Otarola said security forces had “maintained public order in this state of emergency.“ He also