Peru’s interim president, Manuel Merino
has resigned less than a week into his new administration after
protests calling for his removal left two dead and dozens injured.In a short televised address on Sunday November 15, Manuel Merino
said he’d acted within the law when he was sworn into office as chief
of state on Tuesday, despite protesters’ allegations that Congress had
staged a parliamentary coup after his predecessor, Martin Vizcarra was
removed over bribery allegations, which he denies.
“I want to let the whole country know that I’m resigning,” Merino said, a day after a police crackdown on protesters in Peru left at least two people dead.
“I, like everyone, want what’s best for our country,” he added.
The decision came after a night of unrest in which dozens of
protesters took to the streets to protest against Merino following the
removal of his predecessor, Martin Vizcarra, who was impeached on
Monday, November 9.
During the protest, many were injured from blunt force, tear gas, or
projectiles that rights groups say came predominantly from police using
excessive force to quell the protests.
The largest march in Lima attracted thousands of people, with police
using tear gas fired from helicopters to disperse protesters who were
threatening to march towards the Congress building.
Human rights groups reported that 112 people had been hurt and the
whereabouts of 41 others were unknown. Health authorities said the dead
included Jack Pintado, 22, who was shot 11 times, including in the head,
and Jordan Sotelo, 24, who was hit four times in the thorax near his
heart.
Read More »