translated from Spanish: Supporters of Free Peru and Popular Force demonstrated in Lima

The march in support of Castillo has started at 16:15 hours (local time) from the Plaza Dos de Mayo, has been called by the Coordinator for the Defense of the Vote, Democracy and the Fatherland, and it brings together representatives of different groups, civil and human rights associations, political parties, unions and the general public in what has been called the Great National March, according to the local newspaper ‘El Comercio’. On the other hand, supporters and popular movements related to Fuerza Popular have gathered in the vicinity of alameda 28 july to participate in the event in support of Fujimori, under the slogan “Great Meeting Respect my Vote.” POLICE DEVICEThe National Police of Peru announced on Friday that it would deploy more than 3,000 agents to control the demonstrations. Peruvian Interior Minister Jose Elice indicated that the police would be entrusted with the objective of preventing the participants of both marches from crossing in view of the tension that is reflected in the country after the holding of the presidential elections.” We must announce to the citizens that, after the marches called in the city of Lima for this Saturday by the two political groups that competed in the second round of elections, the National Police of Peru has trained more than 3,000 troops in crowd control in order for these mobilizations to take place peacefully and without interrupting the vaccination process,” the minister said. Elice also said that in case the marches generate disturbances, there has been contact with the Armed Forces so that they can intervene and “participate in the control of internal order,” reports the Peruvian media outlet “La República.” The interior minister stressed that the police will use “correct” force so that the demonstrations do not lead to violent acts and for this they may use tear gas or rubber pellets, among others. Peru is waiting to meet its next president, after the disputed second round on June 6, which left the leftist candidate Pedro Castillo, with 50.12 percent of the vote, ahead of the ultra-conservative option represented by Fujimori, who with 49.87 percent of the ballots has asked for nullities of minutes — which are currently under review by the National Election Board (JNE) — and has begun a judicial campaign to try to reverse the situation. AgencyOne/EP

Original source in Spanish