HomeCountriesPeru#NoAlGolpe: massive protests across Peru after President’s impeachment
Cajamarca on fire: People in Cajamarca burned a puppet with interim president Merino’s head on it, representing the corrupted political landscape in Peru. Photo: Irma Cabrera Abanto / @irma.cabrera.abanto
#NoAlGolpe: massive protests across Peru after President’s impeachment
Images from Peruvian photographers narrate the current political turmoil
Stop Press (17 November): On Sunday 15 November, interim president Manuel Merino stepped down after another wave of protests due to the killing of two demonstrators during the marches in Lima. Human rights activists reported that that more than 40 others were missing after police brutally attacked largely peaceful demonstrations. The Peruvian congress voted to appoint Francisco Sagasti as interim president. Sagasti belongs to the only political party that voted against former President Vizcarra’s impeachment – the action that sparked the nationwide outrage in the first place. He will be Peru’s interim president until elections in April 2021.
On Monday 9 November, Peru tumbled into political turmoil when the congress voted for the impeachment of President Martín Vizcarra, accusing him of corruption. Since then, Peruvians across the country have been protesting to voice their anger. Most marches have been peaceful, but in Lima some groups clashed with the police, who fired tear gas to disperse the crowds and create chaos.
The political move, which many in Peru have called a coup or a parliamentary coup, came as a surprise for many as an earlier vote in September 2020 to impeach the president failed. In addition, elections were scheduled for April 2021, so why act now?
A political crisis couldn’t come at a worse time, as the nation struggles with one of the world’s highest Covid-19 mortality rates. President Vizcarra has denied allegations that he accepted bribes when he was governor of the southern Moquegua region. His accusers, themselves accused of corruption, are informing against Vizcarra in exchange for a lighter sentence. Likewise, in the national congress, numerous members who voted to impeach the president are themselves believed to be involved in corruption and crime. The nation is hurt and tired, and demanding real political change.
This is nothing new in a country that has many oppressed, unheard voices. As Diamira Daza Valenzuela, one of our photo collaborators, says: ‘It is a pleasure to share these moments – a peaceful march brought together the many people who want a change, not only now but for many generations. Cusco has been renowned for its combative resistance, since Tupac Amaru, Tomasa Ttito Condemayta and people such as my grandparents who fought since the Agrarian Reform. Now it’s my turn.’
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Most images in the current media are released from Lima, as the biggest marches were held in the capital. Our photo essay focuses on some of the regional cities in Peru, where thousands of protesters have taken over the streets as well.
These images have been sent in from Peruvian colleagues in Cusco, Cajamarca and Trujillo.
All ages welcome Irma Cabrera Abanto
All ages welcome - this political uproar has brought together people from all ages and backgrounds. Photo: Irma Cabrera Abanto / @irma.cabrera.abanto
Democracy is Dead Adriana Peralta
Democracy is dead: women in Cusco are wearing traditional funeral clothing and celebrating a “wake” for democracy. Photo: Adriana Peralta / @adrimiltrenzas
Democracy is Dead II Adriana Peralta
Democracy is dead: women in Cusco are wearing traditional funeral clothing and celebrating a “wake” for democracy. Photo: Adriana Peralta / @adrimiltrenzas
People with protest posters Irma Cabrera Abanto
People with protest posters are stopping traffic to let other protesters safely cross the street. Photo: Irma Cabrera Abanto / @irma.cabrera.abanto
The main square in Trujillo at night. André Casana Rodríguez
The main square in Trujillo at night. Photo: André Casana Rodríguez / @dre.mov
“Peru – a country where vacating a president is easier than sentencing a rapist” André Casana Rodríguez
Billboards across the country show this message comparing the rapid impeachment with the country’s disastrous statistics regarding gender violence. “Peru, a country where vacating a president is easier than sentencing a rapist”. Photo: André Casana Rodríguez / @dre.mov
Cajamarca on fire Cajamarca on fire Irma Cabrera Abanto
Cajamarca on fire: people in Cajamarca burned a puppet with interim president Merino’s head on it, representing the corrupted political landscape in Peru. Photo: Irma Cabrera Abanto / @irma.cabrera.abanto
Cajamarca on fire Irma Cabrera
Cajamarca on fire: people in Cajamarca burned a puppet with interim president Merino’s head on it, representing the corrupted political landscape in Peru. Photo: Irma Cabrera Abanto / @irma.cabrera.abanto
Cusco is protesting
Cusco is protesting. Photo: Diamira Daza Valenzuela / @dvquilla
Cusco is protesting Adriana Peralta
Cusco is protesting. Photo: Adriana Peralta / @adrimiltrenzas
Democracy is Dead Adriana Peralta
The peaceful march in Cusco was dedicated to the motto ‘Democracy is dead’. Photo: Adriana Peralta / @adrimiltrenzas
The people raise their voice Adriana Peralta
The people raise their voice. Photo: Adriana Peralta / @adrimiltrenzas
Thousands of people came together in peaceful protest marches across the country to express their displeasure with the congress’s decision Adriana Peralta
Thousands of people came together in peaceful protest marches across the country to express their displeasure with the congress’s decision. Photo: Adriana Peralta / @adrimiltrenzas
Merino is not my president Adriana Peralta
The hashtag is clear in opposing the new interim president: “Merino is not my president.” Photo: Adriana Peralta / @adrimiltrenzas
Pots, Pans and tin cans
Pots, pans and tin cans: every tool is used to make some noise. Photo: Adriana Peralta / @adrimiltrenzas
Now the opposing party is the people
A sign reads “Now the opposing party is the people”. Photo: Irma Cabrera Abanto / @irma.cabrera.abanto
Today I am mourning! Democracy has died“
Sign #1: “Today I am mourning! Democracy has died“ / Sign #2: The new constitution will make the revolution” Photo: Diamira Daza Valenzuela /@dvquilla
Protestors on bikes
The protesters are fully aware of the risk they are taking by protesting during the Covid-19 pandemic: Many came on bicycles and drove behind the crowd wearing masks and face shields. Photo: Irma Cabrera Abanto / @irma.cabrera.abanto
The fight for social and political justice in Peru will be a long one
The fight for social and political justice in Peru will be a long one. Young protesters especially are demanding a reformed constitution in the hope of fighting against political corruption. Photo: Adriana Peralta / @adrimiltrenzas
Young Peruvians protest
The current political landscape has caused great resentment in young Peruvians. Photo: Adriana Peralta / @adrimiltrenzas
The people in Trujillo minutes after starting their march
The people in Trujillo minutes after starting their march. The typical “protest route” last used by many women’s rights organizations on International Women’s Day leads to the main square. Photo: André Casana Rodríguez / @dre.mov
The protests in Peru will go on
The protests in Peru will go on: for the next few days, activist groups and grassroots organizations have announced new meeting points. Photo: André Casana Rodríguez / @dre.mov
