Thousands of Peruvians march in capital Lima, demanding president's ouster

Thousands of Peruvians have held a protest march in the capital Lima, demanding President Pedro Castillo to quit over alleged corruption and economic misrule.

According to Press TV, the participants packed the streets of Lima on Saturday, prompting the police to use tear gas to prevent them from reaching the parliament and the presidential palace. There were no immediate reports of injuries.

The embattled head of state, who took power last year for a five-year term, and his cabinet are under investigation for corruption.

The protesters held up national flags and signs emblazoned with anti-government slogans.

Similar demonstrations called by political groups and civil associations took place in other cities around the country.

"We see a government involved in corruption and Congress doesn't react," said Lucas Ghersi, a conservative lawyer who is one of the organizers of the march.

Castillo has already survived two impeachment attempts, and is also the target of a complaint by the country's attorney general, who has accused the president of running a criminal nexus involving his family and allies.

He calls his opponents "reactionaries" and "the enemies of people," denying that his family has committed crimes and saying he is the victim of a campaign to remove him from power.

"They will have me until the last day of my term because my people have decided so," Castillo said earlier in the day from the government palace.

Opposition legislators are pressing for his trial, although he cannot be criminally tried while holding office.

ME