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Tourist family describe running down streets in Peru to stay safe amid anti-government protests | World News


A family of tourists stranded in the Peruvian city of Cusco amid anti-government protests has described “people walking around with baseball bats and breaking doors”.

Hannah and Garrett Spray, from Vancouver, Canada, have been trapped in their dorm with their daughter for the past five days.

They were due to fly home via Lima on Tuesday, but have been asked to stay in their rooms for their own safety.

Ms Spray told Sky News: “Definitely a stressful few days.

“There have been a lot of protests. A lot of demonstrations are also really peaceful, with people just wanting to share a message.

“But then there are people banging on doors or walking around with baseball bats, breaking doors, starting fires.”

She added that although they didn’t witness the incident firsthand, “We had a few scary moments when we were actually running on the road to make sure we were safe.”

Protesters gather as the government declares a nationwide state of emergency, after a week of protests sparked by the ouster of former President Pedro Castillo, in Cuzco, Peru December 14, 2022. REUTERS/Alejandra Orosco NO SALE.  NO STORAGE
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Protests in Cusco
Police stop protesters in Lima on Friday
Picture:
Police stop protesters in Lima on Friday

Airports and tourist attractions disconnected

demonstrate has swept across the Latin American nation since ousting former president Pedro Castillo, who faces 10 years if convicted of sedition and conspiracy.

Despite insisting he remains the nation’s legitimate leader, he was replaced by former vice president Dina Boluarte last Wednesday after Mr. Castillo tried to dissolve parliament and rule by decree until when there is a new election.

Since then, pro-Castillo protesters have clashed with police, with 18 reported dead and five airports closed due to protests.

Deposed President Pedro Castillo
Picture:
Deposed President Pedro Castillo

Cusco International and several key tourist sites, including Machu Picchu, have been disconnected from their usual tourist routes, leaving thousands of visitors stranded.

On Monday, some protesters tried to storm the airport while it was closed. Some flights have now resumed.

People take pictures of a fire during a protest demanding the dissolution of the National Assembly and holding democratic elections instead of recognizing Dina Boluarte as the President of Peru, after Peruvian President Pedro Castillo was ousted, in Cuzco, Peru today. December 14, 2022 REUTERS/Alejandra Orosco NO RESELLER.  NO STORAGE
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Flame inscribed with the name of the alternate president in Cusco

Families can see protests from dorm windows

Leftist politician Castillo, a former teacher and son of a farmer, won the election last year under the banner of the Marxist Free Peru party.

Four countries with leftist presidents – Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia and Mexico – backed a joint statement declaring Mr Castillo a “victim of undemocratic harassment” following his ouster. He denies all the charges against him.

Protesters block the border between Peru and Bolivia on Friday
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Protesters block the border between Peru and Bolivia on Friday

Mr and Mrs. Spray said they kept up with what was happening across Peru through social media and local media while confined in their rooms.

“We could see the Plaza de Armas from our room where most of the protests were taking place, so we watched everything from a distance and just sat still, playing cards and watching. TV,” said Mr. Spray.

They hope to return to Canada next Wednesday.

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