Peru’s interim president, Manuel Merino has resigned after two protesters were left dead and dozens injured.
Manuel Merino resigned on Sunday, November 15, just five days in office following protest against him.
Manuel Merino was sworn into office as chief of state on Tuesday, despite protesters’ accusing the Congress of staging a parliamentary coup after his predecessor, Martin Vizcarra was removed over bribery allegations, which he had denied.
“I want to let the whole country know that I’m resigning,” Merino said, a day after a police crackdown on protesters in Peru left at least two people dead.
“I, like everyone, want what’s best for our country,” he added.
This came after a night of unrest and protest across the country, as dozens of protesters took to the streets to protest against Merino following the removal of his predecessor, Martin Vizcarra, who was impeached on Monday, November 9.
During the protest, many were injured from blunt force, tear gas, or projectiles from the excessive force used by the police force.
The largest protest was in Lima, which attracted thousands of people, with police using tear gas fired from helicopters to disperse protesters who were threatening to march towards the Congress building.
Human rights groups reported that 112 people had been hurt and the whereabouts of 41 others were unknown. Health authorities said the dead included Jack Pintado, 22, who was shot 11 times, including in the head, and Jordan Sotelo, 24, who was hit four times in the thorax near his heart.
Merino resigned shortly after the crisis as the congress called on him to resign. The Congress is expected to appoint a new president in a week.
