Three dead in Peru protests as thousands march in Lima

President Manuel Merino faces growing calls to resign

Demonstrators clash with police during a protest against the decision of Congress to remove former President Martin Vizcarra, in Lima, Peru. Reuters

A demonstrator shields himself with an umbrella as tear gas canisters are fired by police during a protest at Abancay avenue in Lima. Bloomberg

Police clash with demonstrators during a protest at Abancay avenue in Lima. Bloomberg

Demonstrators shield themselves as tear gas canisters are fired by police. Bloomberg

Police and demonstrators clash during a protest against the new government of President Manuel Merino, in San Martin de Lima square in Lima. EPA

A woman hugs a policeman during a protest against the new government of President Manuel Merino, in San Martin de Lima square, in Lima. EPA

Police and demonstrators clash during a protest against the new government of President Manuel Merino, in San Martin de Lima square in Lima. EPA

Police and demonstrators clash during a protest against the new government of President Manuel Merino, in San Martin de Lima square in Lima. EPA

An injured demonstrator is helped by other demonstrators during a clash with police. Reuters

Police and demonstrators clash during a protest against the new government of President Manuel Merino, in San Martin de Lima square in Lima. EPA

Police and demonstrators clash during a protest against the new government of President Manuel Merino, in San Martin de Lima square in Lima. EPA

Demonstrators clash with police during a protest against the decision of Congress to remove former President Martin Vizcarra in Lima. Reuters

Demonstrators take cover as they clash with police during a protest against the decision of Congress to remove former President Martin Vizcarra in Lima. Reuters

Demonstrators gather during a protest at Abancay avenue in Lima. Bloomberg

Demonstrators gather during a protest in Lima. Bloomberg

Demonstrators gather during a protest in Lima. Bloomberg

Police stand guard during a protest against the new government of President Manuel Merino in San Martin de Lima square, in Lima. EPA

People take part in a protest against the new government of President Manuel Merino, in San Martin de Lima square in Lima. EPA

Police stand guard during a protest in Lima. Bloomberg

Demonstrators march during a protest at San Martin square in Lima. Bloomberg

Demonstrators gather during a protest at San Martin square in Lima. Bloomberg

Demonstrators march during a protest at San Martin square in Lima. Bloomberg

A demonstrator takes part in a protest at San Martin square in Lima. Bloomberg

Demonstrators participate in a massive protest march against the new government of President Manuel Merino in San Martin de Lima square. EPA

Demonstrators participate in a massive protest march against the new government of President Manuel Merino, in San Martin de Lima square in Lima. EPA

Violent protests continued in Peru on Saturday leading to at least three fatalities as thousands took to the streets in opposition to new President Manuel Merino. About 60 protesters were injured in street clashes.

The mostly young protesters gathered in various cities to oppose what they call a parliamentary coup against former president Martin Vizcarra, who was impeached on corruption allegations on Monday.

Congress Speaker Merino replaced him as Peru's third president in four years.

The largest march in Lima attracted thousands of people, with police firing tear gas from helicopters to disperse protesters who were threatening to march towards the Congress building.

They carried placards reading "Merino, you are not my president" and "Merino impostor" while chanting slogans.

The municipal authorities in Lima, whose mayor belongs to Popular Action, the same centre-right party as Mr Merino, turned off the lighting in Plaza San Martin as the crowd gathered there.

The plaza has been the centre of protests in the capital.

A group of protesters approached the area around Mr Merino's home, east of Lima, banging pots and drums.

Archbishop of Trujillo Miguel Cabrejos urged the government to engage in dialogue and respect citizens' right to protest.

"It is essential to listen and attend to the cries and the clamour of the population to regain confidence, tranquility and social peace," he said.

On Saturday night, Luis Valdez, the head of Congress, told Channel N television: "I ask Mr Merino to evaluate his immediate resignation."

Prime Minister Antero Flores Araoz, 78, a conservative politician, ruled out the president stepping aside because of the protests.

When he took office on Tuesday, Mr Merino said he would respect the calendar for the next general elections, scheduled for April 11, 2021 and would leave power on July 28, 2021, the day when Mr Vizcarra's mandate was to end.

Mr Vizcarra had broad popular support since succeeding Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, the former Wall Street banker who was forced to resign under threat of impeachment over corruption allegations in 2018.