Peru, dozens injured during anti-government protests

(ANSA) - ROME, JAN 21 - Dozens of demonstrators were injured in Peru following night-time clashes with the police during anti-government demonstrations that are spreading throughout the country.

The Guardian reports it.

In the capital, Lima, police officers used tear gas to repel protesters who threw glass bottles and stones, while several fires broke out, television footage showed.

In the southern region of Puno, some 1,500 protesters attacked a police station in the city of Ilave, interior minister Vicente Romero said.

Ilave health authorities reported eight patients admitted to hospital with injuries, including broken arms and legs, bruised eyes and perforated abdomen.

Late yesterday afternoon,

    The riots followed a day of turmoil on Thursday when one of Lima's oldest buildings was set on fire as President Dina Boluarte vowed to get tougher on "vandals".

The destruction of the building, a 100-year-old mansion in central Lima, was described by officials as the loss of a "monumental asset".

Protests began in December against the ousting of former president Pedro Castillo as the new head of state is accused of betraying socialism, protesters are demanding the resignation of Boluarte, new elections, and the release of Castillo, who was impeached and imprisoned for rebellion, after having attempted a coup.

The latest balance counts 52 victims since the beginning of the protests,

including a policeman burned alive.

(HANDLE).