Since former president Pedro Castillo was ousted in early December, protests have broken out across the country, writes The Guardian.

Demonstrators have blocked roads and intermittently stalled several airports in Peru’s south. Tourism has dropped away with the “indefinite” closure of Machu Picchu, the Inca ruin and Peru’s pre-eminent tourist attraction.

Demonstrations and roadblocks have toughened in impoverished areas in southern Peru which have borne the brunt of the deadly violence which has claimed close to 50 lives amid accusations that the police and army used excessive force. The single deadliest day of violence saw 17 deaths in the southern city of Juliaca.

Demonstrators say they will not rest until President Dina Boluarte, Castillo’s vice-president who replaced him, steps down and early elections are called.