Protests intensify in Peru

By James Blears

Thousands have converged on the Peruvian capital of Lima, with more than eleven thousand police deployed to hold them back.

Volleys of tear gas rounds have been fired by officers and as things stand, President Dina Boluarte is steadfastly refusing to resign, urging demonstrators to protest peacefully.

So far in these violent weeks, more than 50 people have died in the unrest, which is the worst that the country has seen in more than 20 years.

Many of those protesting have trekked all the way from the Andean Region, which is where former President Pedro Castillo, the country's first indigenous Head of State comes from. 

Last month, he unsuccessful tried to dissolve Congress, but was then impeached by it.

He was arrested and is in prison, facing charges of conspiracy and rebellion, denying all of the accusations. 

In this latest upsurge, three people have died in areas outside Lima, while the protests look set to continue.

The demonstrators are demanding Boluarte's resignation, Congress to be dissolved, and immediate elections to be held.

Boluarte is calling for them to held next year. They were due to take place in 2026.

The current situation is tense and highly volatile, with no sign of an olive branch or compromise in sight.