Thousands partake in anti-government protests in Peru

Anti-government protests in Peru continued on Thursday, with thousands gathering in the streets of Lima to demand the resignation of President Dina Boluarte and call for a general election. Additional protests took place at the airports in Cusco and Arequipa.
The demonstrations turned to violence as police clashed with protesters, with tear gas deployed to disperse the crowds.
Thirteen people were admitted to Lima’s Arzobispo Loayza Hospital with injuries as a result of the violence, claims Peru’s Ombudsman Office.
In a statement, the office declared that “peaceful protest is a constitutionally recognized right” but noted that “the right to peaceful protest does not include acts of violence against other people, police officers or members of the Armed Forces.”
Addressing the protests, Boluarte is reported to have said that “all the rigor of the law will fall on those responsible for the criminal acts and vandalism registered during the protest marches.” Following that statement, she added that “people who intend to generate chaos and disorder are being identified”.