Deadly Protests Rock Peru as Interim President Faces Crisis

Violent Clashes Leave One Dead and Over 100 Injured in Lima

Peru's capital city of Lima erupted in violence on Wednesday as thousands of demonstrators clashed with riot police, resulting in one confirmed death and more than 100 injuries. The victim was identified as 32-year-old Eduardo Ruiz Sanz, with human rights groups suggesting he may have been shot by a plainclothes police officer during the chaotic scenes outside Congress.

The protests, organized by youth collectives, artists' groups, and labor unions, represent the first major challenge for interim President José Jerí, who took office just six days earlier following the impeachment of former president Dina Boluarte. 'This is not just about one president - this is about a system that has failed to protect its citizens from organized crime,' said María Flores, a 24-year-old university student who participated in the demonstration.

Police Response and Escalating Violence

Riot police deployed tear gas and rubber bullets as protesters attempted to breach security barriers surrounding the congressional building. Demonstrators responded by hurling stones, fireworks, and Molotov cocktails, setting fire to fences and creating scenes of chaos in the heart of Lima's government district.

According to official reports, 78 police officers and 24 civilians were injured in the clashes, with two journalists also among the wounded. The police defended their actions, stating they were responding to violent attempts to storm government buildings. 'We are committed to maintaining public order while respecting human rights,' said Police General Carlos Mendoza in a press conference.

Root Causes: Crime Crisis and Political Instability

The protests reflect deep-seated frustration with Peru's worsening security situation. Criminal gangs like Los Pulpos and Venezuela's Tren de Aragua have established sophisticated extortion networks across the country, making crime a daily reality for many Peruvians. The situation reached a boiling point last week when four members of the popular band Agua Marina were shot on stage during a performance, believed to be victims of extortion demands.

President Jerí, who at 38 is Peru's youngest and first millennial president, faces the daunting task of addressing both immediate security concerns and long-term political stability. In his inaugural speech, he pledged to 'declare war on crime' and lead a 'government of transition, empathy, and national reconciliation.' However, protesters remain skeptical of his ability to deliver meaningful change.

France 24 reported that the protests occurred despite Jerí's recent cabinet appointments, including former judge Ernesto Álvarez as prime minister. The new administration inherits a country where seven presidents have served in the past nine years, highlighting the chronic political instability that has plagued Peru.

International Concern and Future Outlook

The violence has drawn international attention, with human rights organizations calling for investigations into the police response. Meanwhile, protests in other Peruvian cities remained peaceful, suggesting the capital's demonstrations were particularly intense due to their proximity to government institutions.

As Peru grapples with this latest crisis, the fundamental question remains whether Jerí's government can address the security concerns that sparked the protests while navigating the country's complex political landscape. With more protests planned in the coming days, the interim president faces immediate pressure to demonstrate his commitment to tackling organized crime and restoring public confidence in government institutions.