Peru Plans to Announce State of Emergency After Fatal Demonstrations Against Recently Inaugurated Leader
Peru is set to impose emergency measures after one fatality occurred and dozens of police officers were injured in widespread protests against President José Jerí, inaugurated only a few days prior.
Government Response
Prime minister Ernesto Alvarez said late on Thursday that authorities would enact emergency protocols for the capital imminently and is preparing a package of measures to tackle rising insecurity.
The protest on Wednesday night – called by gen Z protesters, transport workers and civil groups – represented the most recent in ongoing protests against corruption and rising crime, culminating in the sudden removal of the previous administration.
Protest Dynamics
Thousands of protesters amassed around the country, with hundreds clashing with police outside congress in Lima. Police fired teargas while some protesters hurled fireworks, rocks and burning objects.
"All must leave!" protesters chanted when they reached congress and attempted to breach security barricades surrounding the structure.
Casualties and Investigation
A 32-year-old man, Eduardo Mauricio Ruiz, was killed during the protest and his death would be investigated, 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
The president conveyed sorrow regarding the fatality through social media channels, promising an impartial inquiry. He blamed violence on "delinquents who infiltrated a peaceful demonstration to sow chaos".
"Legal consequences will be severe," he affirmed.
Following legislative discussions regarding the demonstrations, the president requested expanded powers to address security matters.
Proposed Reforms
Jerí said one focus would be prison reform, 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.
Governing Challenges
The recent demonstrations served as an indicator for the new administration's trajectory – which ends next July due to scheduled elections – might develop.
The 38-year-old leader has promised to make crime his top priority but encountered multiple controversies, involving graft accusations and a now-shelved investigation for sexual assault. The president refuted all allegations and pledged full cooperation with oversight proceedings.
Previous Administration
Boluarte's government encountered mass demonstrations after she assumed power in late 2022, leading to dozens of deaths and catastrophic approval rating decline, registering minimal public support before removal.
The legislative body previously led by the current president is almost equally unpopular, registering minimal constituent support.
