Seven dead in protests in Peru

Five more protesters died in Peru on Monday, December 12, as violent demonstrations over the ousting of the former president showed no sign of dying down, despite his successor's efforts to quell the unrest. Seven people, including three teenagers, have now died in escalating protests since the leftist Pedro Castillo was accused of an attempted coup, impeached and arrested last week.

New President Dina Boluarte tried to ease tensions on Sunday, announcing she would seek to hold elections two years early and declaring a state of emergency in flashpoint areas. But that had little effect as protesters continued to demand her resignation, blocking roads in several cities around the country with logs, rocks and burning tires.