Peruvian president investigated after dozens killed in protests
Source: France 24 and agencies
Peru prosecutors launch probe into President Boluarte over deadly protests
Issued on: 11/01/2023 - 04:23
Text by: NEWS WIRES 1 min
Peru's top prosecutor's office on Tuesday said it launched an inquiry into new President Dina Boluarte and members of her cabinet over violent clashes that have seen at least 40 killed and hundreds injured since early December.
The inquiry comes after 17 civilians were killed in the country's southern Puno region on Monday - the most lethal day of protests since former President Pedro Castillo was ousted and detained last month. The violence continued on Tuesday with a police officer dying after his car was torched.
The attorney general's office said it was investigating Boluarte along with Prime Minister Alberto Otarola, Defense Minister Jorge Chavez and Interior Minister Victor Rojas on charges of "genocide, qualified homicide and serious injuries."
Human rights groups have accused authorities of using firearms on protesters and dropping smoke bombs from helicopters. The army says protesters have used weapons and homemade explosives.
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Read more: https://www.france24.com/en/americas/20230111-peru-prosecutor-says-president-to-be-investigated-for-genocide-after-deadly-protests
