Peru president faces calls to quit after protesters killed by police

Peruvian interim President Manuel Merino is facing mounting pressure to quit after half of his new cabinet walked down following the deaths of two people in demonstrations across the immediate departure of his predecessor.

Thousands have brought to the streets in days of demonstrations against Merino following the elimination of his predecessor, Martin Vizcarra, who was impeached on bribery accusations on Monday, allegations he refuses.

“I ask Mr Merino to decide his instant resignation,” Congress head Luis Valdez announced in a statement to Channel N station.

Lawmakers will appear in an emergency assembly at 8am (13:00 GMT), a statement on Congress’ Twitter account announced.

The demand began after news of the death of two demonstrators during a massive nonviolent process in the capital Lima, which was strongly controlled by police firing shotgun bullets and tear gas.

The Ombudsman’s Office announced the first death, a 25-year-old man, was shot by pellet guns to the head and face.

The health ministry announced over 94 people were hospitalised with wounds sustained during the demonstrations.

The police tactics have been scrutinised by the UN and rights organisations such as Amnesty International since the demonstrations started on Tuesday.

Nine of the 18 ministers in Merino’s cabinet declared their resignation after the police crackdown.