Peru is set to declare a state of emergency following violent protests against President José Jerí that left one person dead and dozens of police officers injured. Prime Minister Ernesto Alvarez announced the decision late on Thursday, amid growing public anger over crime and political instability.
The unrest erupted on Wednesday night, with thousands of demonstrators gathering across the country. In Lima, hundreds clashed with police outside Congress, attempting to tear down metal barriers. Police fired teargas while protesters hurled fireworks, rocks and burning objects.
A 32-year-old man, Eduardo Mauricio Ruiz, was killed during the protest. Peru’s prosecutor’s office said he died after being shot. President Jerí expressed regret on social media, vowing an objective investigation, but blamed “delinquents who infiltrated a peaceful demonstration to sow chaos.”
Jerí, who assumed power days ago after the ousting of former president Dina Boluarte, plans to ask Congress for authority to legislate on public safety and focus on prison reform. Interior Minister Vicente Tiburcio reported 89 police officers and 22 civilians injured, with 11 people detained.
The new president faces corruption allegations and a shelved sexual assault investigation, both of which he denies. Congress, which Jerí formerly headed, has a single-digit approval rating. Wednesday’s protests signal potential further unrest as the country heads towards elections in July 2025.
