• A Peruvian policeman died after being set on fire by protesters on Monday.
• At least 18 people have died in clashes between police and demonstrators.
• The new president’s government won a confidence vote in Congress on Tuesday.

After fatal clashes erupted across the nation following the removal of former President Pedro Castillo, Peru’s top prosecutor’s office opened an investigation into the new president, Dina Boluarte, and senior cabinet members on Tuesday.

However, the new administration easily prevailed in a vote of confidence in Congress on Tuesday night. A defeat would have resulted in the resignation of Prime Minister Alberto Otárola and a reorganization of the cabinet.

The investigation follows the deaths of at least 18 people—including a Peruvian policeman who was set on fire by protesters—during rallies in the southern Puno region since Monday night.

Jose Luis Soncco Quispe, a Peruvian police officer, died on Monday night after suffering burns while on patrol in Puno, the police reported to the media on Tuesday.

Police say they were attacked by “unknown subjects.”

“We regret the sensitive death of José Luis Soncco Quispe. We extend our condolences to his closest family and friends. Rest in peace, brother policeman!” Peruvian National Police wrote on Twitter.

A curfew will be in place from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. local time “to safeguard the life, integrity and freedom of citizens” following the conflicts in Puno, the Council of Ministers tweeted Tuesday.

The attorney general’s office said it was investigating Boluarte, Otarola, Defense Minister Jorge Chavez and Interior Minister Victor Rojas on charges of “genocide, qualified homicide and serious injuries,” Media reported.

Human rights organizations claim that police have fired weapons at demonstrators and sprayed smoke bombs from helicopters. The army claims that demonstrators have utilized explosives and guns.

Additionally, the attorney general’s office declared that it will look into the management of the protests by the two former interior ministers and prime ministers who both worked under Boluarte for only a few weeks each: Pedro Angulo and Cesar Cervantes.

Requests for comment from the president’s and ministers’ offices were not immediately fulfilled.

Boluarte’s resignation, the dissolution of Congress, constitutional amendments, and Castillo‘s release are all demands of the protesters.

The constitutionally required vote of confidence, which must be voted after a new prime minister assumes office, was approved with 73 votes in favour, 43 votes against, and 6 abstentions.

Otarola has attributed the deaths on Monday to coordinated attacks funded by “black” money. 75 police officers and 68 more citizens were said to have been hurt.

In an effort to stop the violence, Otarola also made an announcement about a three-day overnight curfew in Puno. Footage from the local media showed the theft of stores in Puno on Monday night, while the Juliaca airport remained closed on Tuesday after 9,000 people allegedly tried to break in.

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