🔗 Share this article The Peruvian government to Declare State of Emergency Following Fatal Protests Against Recently Inaugurated Leader Peru is set to impose emergency measures following at least one person was killed and numerous law enforcement personnel sustained injuries in massive demonstrations targeting President José Jerí, inaugurated only a few days prior. Government Response The nation's premier said late on Thursday that the government would declare the state of emergency in Lima within hours and is preparing a package of measures to address escalating safety concerns. The protest on Wednesday night – organized by youth activists, transportation unions, and civic organizations – represented the most recent in ongoing protests against corruption and rising crime, which led to the dramatic midnight ouster of former president Dina Boluarte last Thursday. Protest Dynamics Mass gatherings formed nationwide, with hundreds clashing with police outside congress in Lima. Law enforcement deployed crowd control measures while some protesters hurled fireworks, rocks and burning objects. "All must leave!" protesters chanted when they reached congress and attempted to breach security barricades surrounding the structure. 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. Peru's prosecutor's office confirmed the victim sustained fatal gunshot wounds. Official Statements The president conveyed sorrow regarding the fatality through social media channels, saying the death would be "objectively" investigated. He attributed the unrest to "criminal elements exploiting peaceful protests". "The full force of the law will be on them," he affirmed. After attending a meeting about the protests at congress, Jerí said he would ask congress for "authority to legislate on public safety issues". Proposed Reforms The administration identified correctional system overhaul as a priority, but did not elaborate on what those powers would entail. Recently installed security chief Vicente Tiburcio told the unicameral congress 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. Governing Challenges The recent demonstrations served as an indicator for the new administration's trajectory – which ends next July due to scheduled elections – could play out. The 38-year-old leader has promised to make crime his top priority but has faced a number of scandals, involving graft accusations and a now-shelved investigation for sexual assault. Jerí has denied wrongdoing in both cases and expressed willingness to cooperate with any corruption investigation. Previous Administration The previous administration faced widespread protests 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. Congress – which was headed by Jerí before he became president is almost equally unpopular, registering minimal constituent support.