The interim president of Peru, Manuel Merino, has resigned days into his new administration after protesters called for his removal in a protest that left two dead and dozens injured.
In a short recent address, Manuel Merino said he had not acted outside the law since he was sworn into office as chief of state some days ago, in spite of protesters’ allegations that Congress had staged a parliamentary coup after his predecessor, Martin Vizcarra was kicked out of office over bribery allegations, that he denies.
A day after a police clampdown on protesters in Peru left a minimum of two people dead, Merino said: “I want to let the whole country know that I’m resigning.
“I, like everyone, want what’s best for our country.”
The resolve came after a night of unrest which saw dozens of protesters storm the streets to protest against Merino after the removal of his predecessor, Martin Vizcarra, who was impeached earlier this month.
While the protest was on, many protesters were injured from blunt force, tear gas, or projectiles that according to rights groups, came from police using excessive force to halt the protests.
The largest rally in Lima attracted thousands of people, with police using tear gas popping out of helicopters to disperse protesters who threatened to march towards the Congress building.
According to human rights groups, no fewer than 112 people had been injured with the whereabouts of 41 others still unknown. Health authorities revealed that the dead included Jack Pintado, 22, who was fired 11 times and Jordan Sotelo, 24, who was shot four times in the thorax close to his heart.
