The UN expresses its fear of a possible escalation of tensions due to the increase in protests in Peru

The Office of the United Nations for Human Rights today expressed his fear of a possible escalation of tensions in Peru given the increase in protests in various regions of the country, in which two people have already died, and asked both protesters and the police to act with containment.

“We are deeply concerned that the situation could worsen”said in a statement the spokeswoman for the United Nations office Martha Hurtadowho asked the authorities to “respect their human rights obligations and allow the exercise of the right to peaceful assembly and the freedom of opinion and expression”.

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The spokeswoman also warned that in some cases the police may be using “unnecessary and disproportionate use of force” when responding to protests.

“We urge the police to ensure that force is only used when strictly necessary,” highlighted in the official note, where it was recalled that at least two young people aged 15 and 18 have died this Sunday in clashes between police and protesters, in the southern region of Apurímac.

Concern over the protests in Peru against the assumption of Dina Boluarte as president after the vacancy of Pedro Castillo. Protesters demand that Parliament be closed and that new elections be called | Photo: Leonardo Cuito/@photo.gec

Hurtado also urged Peruvian authorities to ensure that journalists can work “without fear of intimidation” after some reporters have been injured while covering protests, becoming targets of both police and protesters in some cases. .

The office headed by the high commissioner Volker Turk He also denounced the indiscriminate use of tear gas to suppress the protests, and that there have been dozens of injuries, including at least four police officers.

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“We stress the importance of listening to the concerns and complaints of the population in the current situation, in line with the obligation of the State to protect, respect and guarantee human rights”, the spokeswoman said.

The protests continue today Monday with roadblocks in which thousands of people in different regions of the country express their rejection of the dismissal of the until last week Pedro Castillo and they ask for the resignation of her successor, Dina Boluarte.

Castle He remains in custody after being dismissed last Wednesday by Congress, after ordering the dissolution of the Legislature and announcing that he would form an emergency Executive, govern by decree, convene a constituent assembly and carry out a reorganization of the judicial system.

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Source: Elcomercio