Tragic Clashes in Peru: One Fatality as Protests Escalate

Thu Oct 16 2025 22:48:58 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Recent anti-government protests in Lima, Peru, have resulted in one death and over a hundred injuries, highlighting the anger among citizens, especially the youth, against the political class amidst rising crime and corruption.

A 32-year-old man was killed and more than 100 injured in clashes between police and protestors in Lima, Peru. Organized by anti-government activists, the protests reflect the growing discontent among young Peruvians towards the government, which recently saw a change in leadership following the impeachment of former President Dina Boluarte. President José Jerí has vowed to investigate the circumstances surrounding the protester's death amid accusations of police involvement.

Clashes between anti-government protesters and riot police in the Peruvian capital, Lima, have left a 32-year-old man dead and more than 100 people injured, including many police officers.

The protests come less than a week after José Jerí was sworn in as the interim president following the impeachment of his predecessor in office, Dina Boluarte.

Wednesday's demonstrations were organised by mainly young Peruvians who demand that the country's political class do more to combat high levels of crime and corruption.

President Jerí said the protest had been infiltrated by criminals seeking chaos and launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the protester's death.

He expressed his regret over the death of Eduardo Ruiz Sáenz but provided limited details regarding the cause. Ruth Luque, a left-wing congresswoman, stated preliminary information indicated Ruiz Sáenz was shot in the chest, allegedly by a plainclothes police officer.

President Jerí announced an investigation to objectively establish what transpired and who bears responsibility for the fatality.

Jerí, from the conservative Somos Perú party, assumed office after Boluarte was removed due to allegations of permanent moral incapacity. He is now Peru's seventh president in eight years.

Days after taking office, protests erupted against the political elite, with demonstrators demanding systemic changes in light of rising crime, particularly extortions targeting transport drivers.

Many young activists have taken to platforms like TikTok, urging Jerí to resign in favor of an independent candidate. The growing unrest reflects deep societal grievances against past administrations, including those of Boluarte, whose approval ratings had plummeted before her impeachment.

Local media report that recent violent incidents, particularly an armed attack on musicians, intensified calls for change among lawmakers and the public alike.

Former President Boluarte remains in Peru, asserting she will stay until investigations into her alleged abuses of power are concluded.