Protests Turn Deadly in Peru as New President Faces Public Anger

Post by : Saif Ali Khan

Peru is once again facing violent unrest. Just days after President José Jeri took office, one protester was killed and dozens of police officers were injured during large demonstrations in Lima and other cities. The protests broke out over rising crime, corruption, and political instability, which have long troubled the South American nation.

Violence in the Capital

On Wednesday night, thousands of people — including young protesters, transport workers, and community groups — filled the streets of Lima. They shouted slogans like “Everyone must go!” and marched toward Peru’s Congress to demand real political change.

When protesters tried to break down metal barriers protecting the Congress building, clashes erupted. Police fired tear gas to disperse the crowds, while some demonstrators threw rocks, fireworks, and burning objects in response.

The situation quickly turned violent. According to officials, a 32-year-old man named Eduardo Mauricio Ruiz was shot and later died from his injuries. The Ombudsman’s Office confirmed his death and said the case is under investigation.

Police Admit Officer Fired the Shot

Peru’s National Police Chief, General Oscar Arriola, later told reporters that the shooting was carried out by a police officer named Luis Magallanes. He said the officer had been attacked during the protest and fired his weapon. Magallanes is now being treated in a hospital and has been suspended from duty while the investigation continues.

The police chief’s statement shocked many Peruvians, as it was a rare public admission of police responsibility for a protester’s death.

President Jeri Calls for Calm

President José Jeri, who only assumed power a few days ago after the ouster of former President Dina Boluarte, expressed sorrow over the death. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he said the incident would be “objectively investigated.”

However, he also blamed the violence on what he called “delinquents who infiltrated a peaceful demonstration to sow chaos.” Jeri promised that those responsible would face the full force of the law.

State of Emergency and Reform Plans

In response to the violence, Prime Minister Ernesto Álvarez announced that the government would soon declare a state of emergency in Lima. This would give authorities special powers to control protests and strengthen security in the capital.

Álvarez also said that the government is preparing new measures to deal with rising crime, which has become one of Peru’s most serious problems.

Meanwhile, the new Interior Minister, Vicente Tiburcio, told Congress that the government plans to reform the National Police. He confirmed that 89 police officers and 22 civilians were injured during the clashes and that 11 protesters were arrested.

Tiburcio said the police need better training, new leadership, and improved accountability to avoid further violence. However, the Interior Ministry did not provide details about how or when these reforms would happen.

Growing Public Anger

The protests reflect deep frustration among Peruvians who feel abandoned by their leaders. Many are angry about corruption, unemployment, and the rising cost of living.

Former President Dina Boluarte was removed from power just a week ago after months of demonstrations and allegations of corruption. Her approval rating had fallen to as low as 2%, one of the lowest for any Peruvian leader in history.

Now, her successor, President Jeri, is facing the same public anger that brought down Boluarte. Although he has promised to make public safety and anti-corruption efforts his top priorities, his short time in office has already been marked by controversy.

Scandals Surrounding the New President

At just 38 years old, Jeri is one of Peru’s youngest leaders in decades. But his rise to power has not been free of trouble.

He has been accused in the past of corruption and sexual assault, though he denies all wrongdoing. The investigations were later dropped, but the accusations still shadow his presidency.

Critics say his government must act quickly to show that it is serious about fighting crime and restoring trust, rather than repeating the same mistakes as past administrations.

A Fragile Democracy

Peru has had six presidents in the past seven years, each facing scandals, protests, or impeachment attempts. This constant political chaos has weakened public confidence in democratic institutions.

Analysts say the current crisis could become worse if the government uses too much force to silence protests. Many Peruvians still remember the deadly unrest that followed Boluarte’s rise to power in 2022, when dozens of people were killed by security forces.

What Lies Ahead

President Jeri’s term is scheduled to end in July 2026, when new elections are due. But after this week’s violence, many doubt whether his government can survive that long.

His biggest test will be finding a balance between restoring order and protecting civil rights. If he fails to rebuild trust with the people, the protests could spread across the country once again.

For now, Lima remains tense. Police patrol the streets, and many residents fear that the state of emergency could bring even more clashes.

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