Prosecutors to question Peru’s president over protester deaths
A demonstrator shouts next to riot police during a protest against the government of Peru’s President Dina Boluarte, in Lima on March 04, 2023. AFP
LIMA — Peruvian President Dina Boluarte will be questioned this week by prosecutors investigating the deaths of anti-government protesters, one of her lawyers said Sunday.
Peru has been embroiled in a political crisis since Boluarte’s predecessor Pedro Castillo was ousted and arrested on December 7, charged with rebellion for trying to dissolve congress and rule by decree.
At least 48 people have been killed and more than 600 injured in clashes between security forces and protesters who support Castillo.
Rights groups have accused security forces of using excessive and lethal force to suppress protests.
Boluarte, who be questioned Tuesday, “wants to help in finding out the truth,” her lawyer Kelly Montenegro told the El Comercio newspaper.
“We will comply with everything the public ministry” requires, she added.
Prosecutors opened an investigation in January against Boluarte, who is accused of “genocide, aggravated homicide and serious injury” against anti-government demonstrators.
Protesters have been demanding Boluarte’s resignation, the dissolution of congress, elections right away and a new constitution.
Several other ministers have also been targeted by the investigation.
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