Peru Plans to Announce State of Emergency Following Fatal Protests Against New President
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.
Official Measures
Prime minister Ernesto Alvarez announced Thursday evening that the government would declare the state of emergency in Lima imminently and is preparing a package of measures to address escalating safety concerns.
Wednesday evening's demonstration – organized by youth activists, transportation unions, and civic organizations – was the latest in a series of demonstrations against corruption and rising crime, which led to the dramatic midnight ouster of former president Dina Boluarte last Thursday.
Demonstration Developments
Thousands of protesters amassed around the country, with significant confrontations occurring at the legislative building. Law enforcement deployed crowd control measures while some protesters hurled fireworks, rocks and burning objects.
"Everyone must go!" demonstrators shouted when they reached congress and attempted to breach security barricades surrounding the structure.
Victims and Inquiry
A 32-year-old man, Eduardo Mauricio Ruiz, lost his life in the demonstration 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 confirmed the victim sustained fatal gunshot wounds.
Government Position
The president conveyed sorrow regarding the fatality in a post on X, promising an impartial inquiry. He attributed the unrest to "criminal elements exploiting peaceful protests".
"Legal consequences will be severe," he affirmed.
Following legislative discussions regarding the demonstrations, the president requested expanded powers to address security matters.
Planned Changes
Jerí said one focus would be prison reform, though specific authority details remained unspecified.
The newly appointed interior minister, Vicente Tiburcio informed legislators that the government would push for comprehensive reform to the national police, adding that 89 police and 22 civilians had been injured during the protest and multiple individuals faced arrest.
Political Context
Wednesday's protests were a bellwether for how Jerí's nascent presidency – concluding with upcoming electoral proceedings – could play out.
Jerí, 38 has promised to make crime his top priority but has faced a number of scandals, 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.
Previous Administration
Boluarte's government encountered mass demonstrations following the 2022 transition, leading to dozens of deaths and a plunge in her popularity levels, which oscillated between 2% and 4% in the days leading up to her ouster.
The legislative body previously led by the current president faces comparable public disapproval, registering minimal constituent support.
