Photos: Unrest in Peru after the ouster of former President Pedro Castillo
Protests erupted in Peru this week in support of ousted president Pedro Castillo, after the leftist leader was placed in provisional detention. His bid to dissolve Congress and rule by decree was dismissed by legislators who voted him out of office on Wednesday, making way for former Vice President Dina Boluarte to take over the President's chair. In Lima, Castillo's supporters clashed with riot police, who dispersed protestors with tear gas and arrested many. Castillo's impeachment is the latest in a long line of political crises in the Latin nation, which is now seeing its sixth president in six years.
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People affected by tear gas try to recover as massive crowds take to the streets in Lima, on December 8, in support of former President Pedro Castillo. Dozens voiced against his ouster by the Peruvian parliament, demanding presidential elections and the closure of Congress. (Sebastian Castaneda / REUTERS)
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A T-shirt with Castillo's name and posters that say "Cubans out of Peru" are seen scattered during a protest on December 7, in Lima, According to AFP, Castillo's 17-month rule was overshadowed by multiple cabinet reshuffles, six investigations against him and his family, mass protests demanding his removal, and a power struggle with the opposition-backed Congress. The current crisis began as the former rural school teacher faced his third impeachment attempt since unexpectedly wresting power from Peru's traditional political elite. (Alessandro Cinque / REUTERS)
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Castillo's supporters clash with police during a protest in Lima, Peru, on Thursday, December 8. "Pedro Castillo, Peru is with you!" and "If there is no liberation, there will be revolution!" the leftist's supporters chanted, before being dispersed with tear gas. (Fernando Vergara / AP)
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Members of the police seen after clashes with supporters of Pedro Castillo in the outskirts of the Lima Prefecture, where the leader is under detention, in Lima, on December 7. (Ernesto Benavides / AFP)
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