Peru's interim President Manuel Merino steps down amid protests

Nov. 15 (UPI) -- Less than a week after his inauguration, Peru's interim President Manuel Merino resigned on Sunday amid protests calling for him to step down and in response to Congress' decision to oust President Martin Vizcarra.

Merino announced his resignation amid protests against Congress' decision to remove Vizcarra over unproven bribery allegations, saying his cabinet will remain in place until a new leader is selected to avoid a power vacuum.

"At this time, when the country is experiencing one of its biggest political cries, I want the whole country to know that I'm presenting my irrevocable resignation," he said.

Congress said it would convene Sunday evening to select a new replacement.

Congress voted 105-19 to impeach the 57-year-old Vizcarra from office, as he said he didn't agree with the decision but would not contest it.

Vizcarra took office in 2018, vowing to fight corruption, after his predecessor Pedro Pablo Kuczynski resigned a day before a vote on his own impeachment.

The ousting of Vizcarra prompted demonstrations that began in the capital city of Lima, then spread to other cities throughout the nation.

Amnesty International said Friday that it had confirmed the "excessive and unnecessary use of force" by the national police to quell protests.

"The videos that Amnesty International has digitally verified are strong evidence of the violence that the police are using against the population they should be protecting," Erika Guevara-Rosas, Americas director at Amnesty International, said in a statement.

Last week, at least 15 people had been injured during the protests, including three people seriously wounded by firearms, Amnesty International said.

Congressman Alberto de Belaúnde said a website he created for civilians to report police abuses registered more than 200 complaints in its first hour.

Human Rights Watch said last week that Vizcarra's removal poses a threat Peru's rule of law.

It is unclear if Peruvians would accept Congress' choice to replace Merino, as Vizcarra had become popular during his two years as president and people in the country are largely critical of Congress as many members face investigations for corruption and other crimes.