The Peruvian government Plans to Announce State of Emergency Following Fatal Protests Against Recently Inaugurated Leader
Peru is set to impose emergency measures after one fatality occurred and dozens of police officers were injured in massive demonstrations against President José Jerí, inaugurated only a few days prior.
Official Measures
Prime minister Ernesto Alvarez announced Thursday evening that the government would declare emergency protocols for the capital within hours and is preparing a package of measures to tackle rising insecurity.
Wednesday evening's demonstration – organized by youth activists, transportation unions, and civic organizations – represented the most recent in ongoing protests targeting graft and increasing lawlessness, which led to the dramatic midnight ouster of former president Dina Boluarte last Thursday.
Protest Dynamics
Thousands of protesters amassed around the country, with hundreds clashing with police outside congress in Lima. Law enforcement deployed crowd control measures while demonstrators launched pyrotechnics, projectiles, and incendiary devices.
"Everyone must go!" demonstrators shouted upon arriving at the legislature and attempted to breach security barricades protecting the building.
Casualties and Investigation
A 32-year-old man, Eduardo Mauricio Ruiz, was killed during the protest and his death would be investigated, said Fernando Losada, a representative from the country's ombudsman's office. The nation's judicial authorities confirmed the victim sustained fatal gunshot wounds.
Official Statements
Jerí expressed regret over Ruiz's death through social media channels, saying the death would be "objectively" investigated. He blamed violence on "delinquents who infiltrated a peaceful demonstration to sow chaos".
"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, but did not elaborate on what those powers would entail.
Recently installed security chief Vicente Tiburcio informed legislators that authorities would pursue extensive law enforcement restructuring, noting significant injury counts among both officers and citizens and 11 people were detained.
Political Context
The recent demonstrations served as an indicator for the new administration's trajectory – concluding with upcoming electoral proceedings – could play out.
Jerí, 38 committed to prioritizing public safety but has faced a number of scandals, involving graft accusations and a now-shelved investigation for sexual assault. The president refuted all allegations and pledged full cooperation with oversight proceedings.
Previous Administration
Boluarte's government encountered mass demonstrations after she assumed power in late 2022, leading to dozens of deaths and catastrophic approval rating decline, 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, with a single-digit approval rating.