‘Quite a few number of deaths’ – New Zealander in Peru on protests

Protests in Peru are on hold over the festive season, but tensions remain high as locals are told to stay indoors.

Protests in Peru are on hold over the festive season, but tensions remain high as locals are told to stay indoors.

Since the dismissal of former President Pedro Castillo, who was detained after illegally trying to dissolve congress, violent protests have erupted around Peru.

Last week, the international airport in Cuzco was reopened after the damage caused by protesters was repaired.

A New Zealander in Peru, Garth Warner, said protests on are on hold until 3 January, but locals are told to stay home.

Warner said protesters are wanting an early election to take place.

“We couldn’t get to a hospital if we wanted to, the roads are blocked off with big rocks, trees and officials there won’t let you pass.”

He said protesters have died at the hands of the Peruvian military,

“These people are trying to do a peaceful protest but they’re coming up against a military and police, the push back has been really hard.

“They don’t use rubber bullets over here, I don’t know what you guys have seen over on your end but there’s been quite a few number of deaths.”

The Peruvian Embassy said the well-being of New Zealanders stranded in the country is of major concern.

The Embassy said it has been working with local authorities to take care of stranded New Zealand citizens, providing food and medical support as well as organising their evacuation.

A spokesperson for the Peruvian Embassy said the police are providing security for passengers and crew.

They say their main focus is to guarantee the safety of tourists, especially those stranded in Cuzco, Machu Picchu town and Ollantaytambo.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said there were 46 New Zealanders registered as being in Peru, but the number could be higher.

In a statement to RNZ, the ministry said the New Zealand Embassy in Chile – which is accredited to Peru – has been working with several groups affected by the disruptions.

It said all groups the ministry was aware of who were in Peru were now either safely out of the affected areas or sheltering in place in Cusco waiting for flight departures.