Peru Shuts Down , Machu Picchu , Amid Widespread Protests.<br />NBC reports that the government of Peru has indefinitely <br />shut down the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu amid <br />anti-government protests that began last month.<br />NBC reports that the government of Peru has indefinitely <br />shut down the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu amid <br />anti-government protests that began last month.<br />According to Peru's Culture Ministry, the country's <br />most famous tourist attraction has been closed , “to protect the safety of tourists <br />and the population in general.”.<br />According to Peru's Culture Ministry, the country's <br />most famous tourist attraction has been closed , “to protect the safety of tourists <br />and the population in general.”.<br />Tourism Minister Luis Fernando Helguero <br />said that there were 417 visitors trapped at <br />the ancient site, over 300 of them foreigners.<br />The news comes as protestors have <br />descended upon Lima, demanding that <br />President Dina Boluarte step down.<br />The news comes as protestors have <br />descended upon Lima, demanding that <br />President Dina Boluarte step down.<br />On January 21, police raided Peru's largest public university <br />in Lima, evicting protesters who were being housed <br />on campus while taking part in demonstrations.<br />On January 21, police raided Peru's largest public university <br />in Lima, evicting protesters who were being housed <br />on campus while taking part in demonstrations.<br />According to Interior Minister Vicente Romero, <br />over 100 people were detained in the raid.<br />Last month, the protests were sparked <br />by the impeachment and imprisonment <br />of then-President Pedro Castillo. .<br />NBC reports that Castillo was Peru's first leader <br />with a rural Andean background and was forced <br />from office after attempting to dissolve Congress.<br />NBC reports that Castillo was Peru's first leader <br />with a rural Andean background and was forced <br />from office after attempting to dissolve Congress.<br />Castillo is currently <br />being detained on <br />charges of rebellion.<br />NBC reports that over 55 people have died <br />in widespread unrest following the ousting <br />of Castillo and his replacement with Boluarte.<br />NBC reports that over 55 people have died <br />in widespread unrest following the ousting <br />of Castillo and his replacement with Boluarte
