Youth-led protest in Peru results in one death, over hundred injuries
(MENAFN) Mass demonstrations in Lima on Wednesday night spiraled into violent clashes, leaving one person dead and more than 100 injured, according to official reports.
The unrest erupted less than a week after Peruvian lawmakers voted to impeach President Dina Boluarte, a move triggered by widespread public anger over growing corruption scandals and a surge in crime. Congressional leader Jose Jeri was sworn in as interim president, pledging to make public safety his top priority — but his appointment immediately drew backlash.
Thousands of young demonstrators, joined by labor unions, filled the streets of the capital to demand Jeri’s resignation and new elections. The situation deteriorated when protesters attempted to dismantle barricades surrounding Congress, prompting riot police to respond.
According to reports, demonstrators threw stones, Molotov cocktails, and fireworks at officers, who retaliated with tear gas and flares to scatter the crowds.
“We are raising our voices because we’re tired of this mafia pact among corrupt parties that have taken control of the state,” one participant said in a video interview, calling for Jeri’s ouster and transparent elections. “The whole system is contaminated… the government is the criminal,” another added.
Jeri condemned the violence on social media, describing the protest as “irresponsible” and alleging that “criminals had infiltrated the rally in order to create chaos.” He vowed that those behind the clashes would face “the full weight of the law.”
Peru has seen escalating anger over corruption and rampant crime in recent years. Extortion cases have risen dramatically — from a few hundred annually in 2017 to more than 2,000 per month in 2025 — leading to numerous killings of bus drivers and bomb attacks on businesses.
Earlier this year, the government declared a state of emergency in response to the crisis.
Public frustration with Jeri remains high. A recent opinion poll indicated that only 5% of Peruvians approve of his leadership, while nearly 80% disapprove. The country has now cycled through seven governments in the past decade, underscoring its ongoing political instability.
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