Move FM Global News

LIMA, Peru: At least one person was killed and dozens of police officers were injured during large protests in Peru on the night of October 15, the state ombudsman’s office said on October 16. The protests were directed against President Jose Jeri, who took office only a few days ago.

Prime Minister Ernesto Alvarez said the government would declare a state of emergency in Lima within hours and introduce new measures to deal with rising crime and insecurity.

The protests, organized by young Gen Z activists, transport workers, and civic groups, were the latest in a wave of demonstrations against corruption and growing violence. These protests followed the late-night removal of former President Dina Boluarte last week.

Thousands of people marched across the country, and hundreds clashed with police outside Congress in Lima. Police fired tear gas, while some protesters threw fireworks, rocks, and burning objects. “Everyone must go!” they shouted as they tried to pull down metal barriers around the Congress building.

A 32-year-old man named Eduardo Mauricio Ruiz was killed during the protest. Officials said his death is being investigated. The prosecutor’s office confirmed that Ruiz was shot. Later, police chief Oscar Arriola said that an officer, Luis Magallanes, had been physically attacked and fired the shot. Magallanes is now in the hospital and has been suspended from duty.

President Jeri expressed sorrow over Ruiz’s death in a post on X (formerly Twitter), saying the case would be investigated fairly. He blamed the violence on “criminals who infiltrated a peaceful protest to create chaos” and promised legal action against them.

After meeting with lawmakers, Jeri said he would ask Congress for special powers to make new laws on public safety. He mentioned prison reform as one of his priorities, but did not give details.

Interior Minister Vicente Tiburcio told Congress that the government would also work on major reforms for the national police. He said 89 police officers and 22 civilians were injured during the protests, and 11 people were arrested.

Jeri’s short presidency, which runs until next July’s scheduled elections, is already facing significant challenges. The 38-year-old leader has promised to crack down on crime but is dealing with his own controversies, including corruption accusations and a dropped sexual assault investigation — both of which he denies.

His predecessor, Dina Boluarte, also faced deadly protests after taking office in late 2022, with dozens killed and her approval rating falling to just two to four percent. Congress, which Jeri led before becoming president, remains deeply unpopular as well.