🔗 Share this article The Peruvian government to Declare State of Emergency After Deadly Demonstrations Targeting Recently Inaugurated Leader Peru is set to impose emergency measures following one fatality occurred and numerous law enforcement personnel sustained injuries in massive demonstrations targeting President José Jerí, inaugurated only a few days prior. Government Response Prime minister Ernesto Alvarez announced Thursday evening that authorities would enact the state of emergency in Lima imminently and is preparing a package of measures to tackle rising insecurity. The protest on Wednesday night – organized by youth activists, transportation unions, and civic organizations – was the latest in a series of demonstrations against corruption and rising crime, which led to the dramatic midnight ouster of former president Dina Boluarte last Thursday. Demonstration Developments Mass gatherings formed nationwide, with significant confrontations occurring at the legislative building. Police fired teargas while demonstrators launched pyrotechnics, projectiles, and incendiary devices. "All must leave!" demonstrators shouted when they reached congress and tried to tear down metal barriers protecting the building. Casualties and Investigation Eduardo Mauricio Ruiz, aged 32, lost his life in the demonstration and his death would be investigated, stated a human rights representative, from the national oversight institution. The nation's judicial authorities said Ruiz died after being shot. Government Position The president conveyed sorrow regarding the fatality in a post on X, saying the death would be "objectively" investigated. He blamed violence on "delinquents who infiltrated a peaceful demonstration to sow chaos". "Legal consequences will be severe," he said. After attending a meeting about the protests at congress, Jerí said he would ask congress for "authority to legislate on public safety issues". Planned Changes The administration identified correctional system overhaul as a priority, though specific authority details remained unspecified. The newly appointed interior minister, Vicente Tiburcio informed legislators that authorities would pursue extensive law enforcement restructuring, adding that 89 police and 22 civilians had been injured during the protest and multiple individuals faced arrest. Governing Challenges Wednesday's protests were a bellwether for the new administration's trajectory – concluding with upcoming electoral proceedings – could play out. Jerí, 38 has promised to make crime his top priority but encountered multiple controversies, involving graft accusations and previously examined misconduct claims. Jerí has denied wrongdoing in both cases and pledged full cooperation with oversight proceedings. Previous Administration The previous administration faced widespread protests after she assumed power in late 2022, leading to dozens of deaths and a plunge in her popularity levels, registering minimal public support before removal. The legislative body previously led by the current president is almost equally unpopular, with a single-digit approval rating.