Anti-government protestors in the Peruvian capital Lima burned US flags on Thursday to denounce President Dina Boluarte and Peru’s hosting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum.
The unrest coincided with the arrival of world leaders, including American President Joe Biden and China’s Xi Jinping.
Footage shared online showed activists torching American flags while chanting slogans such as “Get out, imperialist Yankees.” Banners declaring “APEC trash looters out” and “APEC accomplices to dictatorship” highlighted widespread discontent over Peru’s economic ties with global powers.
Protesters argue that these alliances benefit elites while exacerbating inequality and crime.
“We are being extorted every day, we are tired of it,” protester Madeleine Rojas told AFP. “Peru does not have a good international image; that is why we are here.”
The demonstrations were triggered by a strike organized by transport unions demanding tougher action against organized crime.
The General Confederation of Workers of Peru, the nation’s largest labor union, joined the strike, amplifying calls for stronger public security policies.
Walter Carrera, president of the National Association of Transporters (Asotrani), warned of the nation’s deepening crisis. “We want the international community to know that they are killing us. There is no policy to fight organized crime and public insecurity head-on,” he said.
Protesters attempted to march on the Lima Convention Center, where APEC meetings are being held, but were met by a heavy police presence. Clashes erupted as officers prevented demonstrators from nearing the venue.
Authorities had deployed 13,000 police officers to ensure the forum’s security.
Critics of Boluarte’s administration said Thursday’s protests were a calculated effort to draw international attention. “We want leaders like Biden and Xi to know what is really happening here,” one protester said.
Despite the turmoil, the Peruvian government vowed that the APEC summit would proceed as planned.