Peru's new president accused of coup after ousting of predecessor

Hundreds protested the swearing in of Manuel Merino, a key figure in orchestrating Martin Vizcarra's impeachment

The head of Peru's Congress has been sworn as president after his predecessor was controversially ousted in a congressional vote late on Monday, prompting accusations of a coup.

The removal of the popular president Martin Vizcarra comes as Peru is reeling from one of the world's worst coronavirus outbreaks, which has left its economy in recession and caused mass unemployment.