FILE – Peruvian President Dina Boluarte holds a press conference at the government palace in Lima, Peru, Friday, Feb. 10, 2023. Boluarte entered the prosecutor’s office on Tuesday, March 7, 2023, to be questioned in connection with a trial of investigation for genocide, murder and serious injuries after dozens of deaths during demonstrations demanding his resignation and that of deputies. (AP Photo/Martín Mejía, File)

LIMA (AP) — Peruvian President Dina Boluarte appeared at the prosecutor’s office on Tuesday for questioning as part of a preliminary investigation into charges of genocide, murder and serious injuries after dozens of deaths occurred during protests calling for her resignation and that of deputies.

The car carrying Boluarte entered the headquarters of the Public Ministry where the president will answer questions from Attorney General Patricia Benavides, the presidential office said in a statement. The president did not make statements to the press.

Prime Minister Alberto Otárola testified in January and February in the same investigation. The protests have so far left 66 people dead and more than 1,300 injured, according to the ombudsman’s office. Almost all of the dead are civilians, most were shot by firearms and some of the victims were shot in the head.

Due to the rank of the persons investigated, the investigation is entrusted to the Attorney General. Genocide carries a minimum sentence of 20 years in prison. Also included in the investigation are former Prime Minister Pedro Angulo and other former officials.

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