Peru has prolonged the state of emergency in the capital city of Lima and two southern areas, where fatal protests against the government have generated the country's worst unrest in 20 years, for another month.

Peru declared a statewide state of emergency for one month in mid-December, shortly after protests erupted over the removal of former leftist President Pedro Castillo, who had attempted to abolish Congress and rule by decree.

Since the beginning of December, more than 40 people have been killed in violent clashes between protestors and security forces.

The prolonged emergency measures issued by President Dina Boluarte late on Saturday night, which allow police exceptional powers and limit liberties, including the right to assemble, are in effect for Lima and the southern regions of Puno and Cusco.

In Puno, where nearly half of the victims have perished, a 10-day curfew is among the restrictions.

Saturday, demonstrators in Lima raised red and white national flags alongside black-bordered banners to show sadness. They also attacked Boluarte, Castillo's former vice president, who had apologized for the deaths and called for probes the day before.

"She is a hypocrite," protester Tania Serra shouted over the crowd's chants, which occasionally jostled with police in riot gear. She apologizes but does not come out to discuss it; instead, she sends the police and the military to murder.

71% of Peruvians disapproved of Boluarte's government, up from 68% in December, according to a poll conducted by Ipsos Peru and published in Peru 21 on January 12-13.

Protesters have demanded Boluarte's resignation and the release of Castillo, who was imprisoned for "rebellion,"