This Saturday (21) Peru closed the entrance to the Inca city of Machu Picchu, the country’s tourist jewel, indefinitely, citing security reasons due to protests calling for the resignation of President Dina Boluarte. So far, clashes linked to the demonstrations have left more than 50 dead.
“The Inca road network and the citadel of Machu Picchu were closed in view of the social situation and to guarantee the integrity of visitors,” the Ministry of Culture said. The measure is valid “until further notice”.
The week was marked in Peru by a large mobilization that reached Lima and ended with scenes of chaos, including a large fire in the center. President Dina Boluarte, who the day before made a statement on national television to say that the situation was under control, strives to maintain the message of normalcy.
Activists maintained blockades at at least 120 points on roads in 15 provinces across the country. The leader of a truck drivers’ union warned that the category is tired of this type of measure and could enter a collision course with the demonstrators.
In urban areas, demonstrations, called mostly by supporters of former leader Pedro Castillo, ousted after trying to carry out a self-coup, have again seen clashes with security forces in various regions, from La Libertad, in the north, to Arequipa, South. In the center of the capital, in the region of Avenida Abancay, police launched gas bombs to contain the demonstrators, who threw paving stones and bottles as they tried to approach the Congress building.
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