Peru faces “national chaos” over protests, mine closure and burning of historic building

Peru was seeking to emerge from “national chaos” on Friday due to riots and clashes between protesters and police, the closure of a mine and the burning of a historic building in Lima during a wave of anti-government protests, the most violent in two decades that has put the country’s democracy to the test.

The social and political chaos that began in early December has left 45 dead in clashes between protesters and police; while another nine people died in accidents linked to roadblocks during the protests.

And the conflict hit the key mining sector, after a Glencore copper unit announced the temporary closure of its operation following the attack of protesters calling for, among other things, the resignation of President Dina Boluarteone of the demands in the protests.

Peru is the world’s second largest copper producer.

Likewise, a century-old mansion in the center of the capital was reduced to ashes on Friday by a fire after clashes with security forces.

The four-story building, located a few meters from Plaza San Martín, the focus of the demonstrations, was engulfed in flames on Thursday night and despite the fact that the fire was controlled, the firefighters continued to throw water to prevent it from reactivating. .

“We have lost a monumental value, it is unfortunate that the damage that can be done to the city has not been fixed,” Lima’s fire chief Commander Mario Casaretto told the television station. channel Nin front of the affected building.

Versions disseminated on social networks by protesters or left-wing politicians who support the protests suggest that the fire was caused by a tear gas bomb thrown by the police during the violent clashes.

The Government has rejected these accusations, at a time when the protests are also demanding the closure of Congress, quick early elections and a new Constitution.

The protests broke out after removal and arrest on December 7 of former leftist president Pedro Castillo, who illegally tried to dissolve Congress. The protests also call for the release of the former president.

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