At least one person has died and dozens of police officers have been injured in significant protests across Peru against newly appointed President José Jeri, who took office just days ago. The ombudsman’s office reported on Thursday that these demonstrations unfolded overnight, gaining momentum from young Gen Z activists, transport workers, and various civil groups. This protest is part of a growing wave of demonstrations fueled by frustrations over corruption and rising crime, which recently led to the dramatic ousting of former President Dina Boluarte.
Protesters gathered in their thousands nationwide, with significant clashes occurring outside Congress in Lima. The police responded to the unrest by deploying tear gas, while some demonstrators retaliated by launching fireworks, rocks, and other hazardous items.
Chants of “Everyone must go!” erupted among protesters as they attempted to breach the metal barriers protecting Congress, escalating tensions that led to further confrontations.
During these confrontations, Eduardo Mauricio Ruiz, a 32-year-old man, was killed. His death is now under investigation, according to Fernando Losada, a representative from the ombudsman’s office. The prosecutor’s office confirmed that Ruiz died from gunshot wounds.
Later that day, Oscar Arriola, the head of Peru’s national police (PNP), informed the media that one of their officers, Luis Magallanes, had been attacked and later fired the weapon that killed Ruiz. Magallanes is currently receiving medical treatment and has been suspended from duty.
In a post on platform X, President Jeri expressed his condolences over Ruiz’s death, promising an objective investigation. He attributed the violence to “delinquents who infiltrated a peaceful demonstration to sow chaos,” asserting that those responsible would face the full weight of the law.
After a meeting concerning the protests, Jeri announced his intention to request Congress for permission to create legislation addressing public safety concerns. He highlighted prison reform as a priority but did not elaborate on the specific legislative powers he would seek.
Following this announcement, newly appointed Interior Minister Vicente Tiburcio spoke to Congress, indicating the government’s commitment to comprehensive police reforms. He reported that 89 police officers and 22 civilians were injured during the protests, with 11 individuals detained.
The Ministry of the Interior has yet to respond to inquiries regarding the police reform and Jeri’s request for broader legislative powers.
Wednesday’s protests may indicate the trajectory of Jeri’s nascent presidency, which is set to conclude next July with scheduled elections. At 38, Jeri has pledged to make crime a primary focus of his administration but is already embroiled in his own controversies, including corruption claims and a suspended sexual assault investigation. He has denied any wrongdoing in both matters and indicated his willingness to cooperate with investigations into corruption.
Dina Boluarte encountered substantial protests after she took office in late 2022, resulting in numerous fatalities and a sharp decline in her popularity, which fell to between 2% and 4% just prior to her dismissal. Congress, which Jeri previously led before assuming the presidency, similarly faces discontent, reflected in its single-digit approval rating.
Original Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/world/peru-new-president-protests-deaths-injuries-10311609/
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Publish Date: 2025-10-17 05:27:00
