Peru experiences nationwide protests, highways blocked

Seven key highways in Peru are obstructed due to nationwide demonstrations against the Government, as reported by the Superintendence of Land Transportation of People, Cargo and Goods (Sutran).

The impacted roads are located in Lima, Loreto, La Libertad, Ayacucho, and Huancavelica departments.

In anticipation of the protests, the Ombudsman’s Office had predicted demonstrations in all 24 departments of Peru.

Students have occupied the National University of Huancavelica, and several thousand citizens have gathered in various parts of Lima, Peru’s capital.

Demonstrators are expected to convene at the Plaza Dos de Mayo, a well-known gathering point in the city’s historical center.

Additionally, police presence is increasing in the capital.

Demonstrations, organized primarily by southern department-based citizen organizations, were announced as early as May, with the main event known as the “Third Lima Takeover,” referencing two prior protests that occurred earlier in the year.

The citizens demand the removal of President Dina Boluarte and the current Congress members, calling for early general elections.

The level of public disapproval towards the president and the legislature is reported to be high.