Protests erupted across Peru following the recent assumption of power by President José Jeri, resulting in at least one death and numerous injuries among police officers. The unrest, described as a response to rising crime and accusations of corruption, has prompted the government to declare a state of emergency in the capital, Lima. Prime Minister Ernesto Alvarez announced the decision during a press conference late on Thursday.
Demonstrations began on the night of February 29, 2024, when young protesters, transport workers, and various civil groups gathered to voice their grievances. The protests follow the dramatic ousting of former President Dina Boluarte, who was removed from office just days prior. Thousands of individuals participated in the protests, with many clashing with police outside the Congress building in Lima.
In the chaos, police responded with tear gas while some demonstrators retaliated with fireworks, rocks, and burning objects. Tragically, Eduardo Mauricio Ruiz, a 32-year-old man, was killed during the unrest. According to the ombudsman’s office, his death is under investigation, with officials confirming he died from gunshot wounds.
In response to the violence, Oscar Arriola, head of the Peru National Police (PNP), reported that a police officer, Luis Magallanes, had been assaulted and was responsible for the shooting. Magallanes is currently receiving medical treatment and has been suspended from his duties pending further investigation.
President Jeri expressed his condolences over Ruiz’s death in a statement posted on social media, emphasizing that an objective investigation would take place. He attributed the violence to “delinquents who infiltrated a peaceful demonstration to sow chaos,” vowing to pursue justice against those responsible.
Following a meeting about the protests at Congress, Jeri announced his intention to request legislative authority to address public safety issues. He highlighted prison reform as a key area of focus, though specifics regarding the proposed legislative powers remain unclear. Newly appointed Interior Minister Vicente Tiburcio reaffirmed the government’s commitment to comprehensive police reform, revealing that 89 police officers and 22 civilians sustained injuries during the protests, with 11 individuals taken into custody.
The protests serve as a significant indicator of how Jeri’s presidency, which is set to conclude in July 2024 due to scheduled elections, may unfold. The 38-year-old leader has vowed to prioritize crime reduction but faces scrutiny over past scandals, including corruption allegations and a former investigation related to sexual assault. Jeri has denied any wrongdoing in both matters and has expressed a willingness to engage with ongoing corruption inquiries.
Boluarte’s administration faced considerable backlash following her rise to power in late 2022, resulting in numerous deaths and a sharp decline in her approval ratings, which lingered between two percent and four percent leading up to her ouster. Similarly, Congress, which Jeri previously led, maintains a low approval rating, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction among the populace.
As Peru navigates this turbulent period, the ramifications of the protests and the government’s response will likely shape the political landscape in the coming months.
