Protesters clash with police in Peru as one dies amid unrest

Hundreds of protesters clashed with police outside Congress in Lima Wednesday night, as tensions boiled over against President Jose Jeri. The protest, led by young Gen Z demonstrators, transport workers, and civil groups, followed widespread anger over corruption and rising crime.

Protesters chanted “Everyone must go!” while attempting to tear down metal barriers protecting Congress, prompting police to respond with tear gas. A 32-year-old man, Eduardo Mauricio Ruiz, was shot and killed during the clashes, according to the Ombudsman’s office, triggering a formal investigation.

Peru’s prosecutor confirmed Ruiz died from gunfire, intensifying calls for accountability amid the country’s growing unrest and political volatility. National police chief Oscar Arriola said Officer Luis Magallanes had been assaulted and discharged his weapon, and has since been hospitalised and suspended.

The violence left 89 police and 22 civilians injured, with 11 protesters detained, Interior Minister Vicente Tiburcio told Congress during an afternoon briefing. Jeri expressed regret over Ruiz’s death on X, blaming “delinquents who infiltrated a peaceful demonstration to sow chaos” and promising a full legal response.

After a Congress meeting, Jeri said he would seek expanded authority to legislate on public safety issues, with prison reform among his priorities. Tiburcio added the government would push for comprehensive reform of the national police, citing the need to prevent future clashes and ensure accountability.

Wednesday’s unrest offers a foretaste of Jeri’s short-lived presidency, which ends next July, as he grapples with crime, corruption allegations, and public scepticism. Boluarte faced similar protests after taking office in 2022, which led to dozens of deaths, while Congress maintains a single-digit approval rating amid public discontent.

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