🔗 Share this article

Peru is set to impose emergency measures after at least one person was killed and dozens of police officers were injured in massive demonstrations targeting President José Jerí, who assumed power just days ago.

Official Measures

Prime minister Ernesto Alvarez said late on Thursday that the government would declare the state of emergency in Lima within hours and is preparing a package of measures to tackle rising insecurity.

The protest on Wednesday night – organized by youth activists, transportation unions, and civic organizations – represented the most recent in ongoing protests against corruption and rising crime, culminating in the sudden removal of the previous administration.

Demonstration Developments

Mass gatherings formed nationwide, with significant confrontations occurring at the legislative building. Law enforcement deployed crowd control measures while demonstrators launched pyrotechnics, projectiles, and incendiary devices.

"Everyone must go!" protesters chanted when they reached congress and attempted to breach security barricades surrounding the structure.

Victims and Inquiry

A 32-year-old man, Eduardo Mauricio Ruiz, was killed during the protest and authorities pledged to examine the circumstances, stated a human rights representative, a representative from the country's ombudsman's office. The nation's judicial authorities said Ruiz died after being shot.

Government Position

Jerí expressed regret over Ruiz's death in a post on X, saying the death would be "objectively" investigated. He blamed violence on "delinquents who infiltrated a peaceful demonstration to sow chaos".

"The full force of the law will be on them," he said.

After attending a meeting about the protests at congress, the president requested expanded powers to address security matters.

Planned Changes

The administration identified correctional system overhaul as a priority, but did not elaborate on what those powers would entail.

Recently installed security chief Vicente Tiburcio told the unicameral congress that authorities would pursue extensive law enforcement restructuring, adding that 89 police and 22 civilians had been injured during the protest and 11 people were detained.

Political Context

Wednesday's protests were a bellwether for the new administration's trajectory – which ends next July due to scheduled elections – could play out.

Jerí, 38 has promised to make crime his top priority but encountered multiple controversies, including corruption allegations and a now-shelved investigation for sexual assault. Jerí has denied wrongdoing in both cases and pledged full cooperation with oversight proceedings.

Historical Precedent

Boluarte's government faced widespread protests following the 2022 transition, resulting in multiple fatalities and a plunge in her popularity levels, which oscillated between 2% and 4% in the days leading up to her ouster.

Congress – which was headed by Jerí before he became president is almost equally unpopular, registering minimal constituent support.