Two shot dead as thousands take to streets in support of deposed president

A NIGHT of protests in Peru left two people dead and deepened the country’s political turmoil.

At least eight members of interim president Manuel Merino’s cabinet have resigned and the president of Congress has scheduled an emergency session to discuss the leader’s resignation.

More than 5,000 protesters marched through Lima wearing masks and carrying signs that read “Merino is not my president”. Authorities said two men, aged 24 and 25, died from gunshot wounds during the demonstration.

Mr Merino, a little-known politician, rose to Peru’s highest office last week after the legislature voted to oust former president Martin Vizcarra.

Legislators utilised a clause dating back to the 19th century to declare the president of “permanent moral incapacity” based on unproven allegations that he had accepted bribes while serving as governor years ago.

Angry Peruvians took to the streets for daily demonstrations accusing Congress of staging a parliamentary coup.

Polls show most Peruvians wanted Mr Vizcarra to stay in office. The ex-president is popular for his anti-corruption crusade, which led to frequent clashes with the legislature, where half of the members are under investigation.

Mr Merino, who until recently served as the head of Congress, did not respond to the growing calls for his resignation after the protests. But earlier he denied they were against him, saying young people were protesting against unemployment and not being able to complete their studies amid the Covid-19 pandemic.