🔗 Share this article Peru Plans to Announce National Emergency Following Deadly Demonstrations Against New President Peru is set to impose emergency measures following at least one person was killed and dozens of police officers were injured in widespread protests against the newly installed president, inaugurated only a few days prior. Official Measures Prime minister Ernesto Alvarez said late on Thursday that authorities would enact the state of emergency in Lima within hours and crafting a comprehensive plan to tackle rising insecurity. The protest on Wednesday night – organized by youth activists, transportation unions, and civic organizations – represented the most recent in ongoing protests targeting graft and increasing lawlessness, culminating in the sudden removal of the previous administration. Demonstration Developments 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 upon arriving at the legislature and tried to tear down metal barriers protecting the building. Casualties and Investigation Eduardo Mauricio Ruiz, aged 32, was killed during the protest and his death would be investigated, stated a human rights representative, from the national oversight institution. The nation's judicial authorities 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". "Legal consequences will be severe," he said. After attending a meeting about the protests at congress, 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. The newly appointed interior minister, Vicente Tiburcio informed legislators 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 how Jerí's nascent presidency – which ends next July due to scheduled elections – could play out. Jerí, 38 has promised to make crime his top priority but has faced a number of scandals, involving graft accusations and previously examined misconduct claims. The president refuted all allegations and expressed willingness to cooperate with any corruption investigation. Historical Precedent The previous administration encountered mass demonstrations after she assumed power in late 2022, leading to dozens of deaths and catastrophic approval rating decline, registering minimal public support before removal. Congress – which was headed by Jerí before he became president is almost equally unpopular, registering minimal constituent support.