Peruvian president steps down after cabinet resigns

Lima, Novmeber 15 (RHC)-- Peruvian interim President Manuel Merino has resigned after half his new cabinet stepped down following the deaths of two people in protests over the sudden removal of his predecessor.

Thousands took to the streets in days of protests against Merino following the removal of his predecessor, Martin Vizcarra, who was impeached on corruption allegations on Monday, accusations he denies.

The resignation came Sunday at 12 noon, after news of the death of two protesters during a massive peaceful march in the capital Lima, which was violently repressed by police firing shotgun pellets and tear gas.  The Ombudsman’s Office said the first fatality, a 25-year-old man, was killed by pellet shots to the head and face.

The health ministry said 94 people were hospitalized with injuries sustained during the protests.  The police tactics have been criticised by the UN and rights organizations such as Amnesty International since the protests began on Tuesday.

Thousands took to the streets on Saturday in opposition to Merino, the former Congress speaker who assumed office on Tuesday as Peru’s third president in four years.  The mostly young protesters gathered in various cities to oppose what they call a parliamentary coup against Vizcarra.

The largest march in Lima attracted thousands of people with police again using tear gas fired from helicopters to disperse protesters who were threatening to march towards the Congress building.  They yelled slogans and carried signs reading “Merino, you are not my president” and “Merino impostor.”