Peru – At least one person was killed and more than 100 others, including dozens of police officers, were injured during violent protests in the Peruvian capital, Lima, against the new government headed by José Guerre.
The demonstrations, which began peacefully, turned into violent clashes between demonstrators and security forces, amid mounting public anger over the worsening crisis of violence and extortion in the country.
Authorities confirmed that 32-year-old Eduardo Ruiz Sanz was killed during the clashes, while dozens were injured, including 78 police officers and 24 protesters, according to the People’s Defender Foundation.
President José Guerre expressed his deepest condolences to the victim’s family, saying via Twitter: “I am deeply saddened by the death of our citizen Eduardo Ruiz Sanz. I offer my deepest condolences and heartfelt condolences to his family, and I hope that the investigations will reveal those responsible with complete objectivity.”
President: “The demonstration started peacefully, but…”
In a video posted on the X platform, Jerry noted that the demonstrations began peacefully, but that parties “with different agendas” sought to sow chaos and exploit the popular movement, as he put it.
For his part, Interior Minister Vicente Tiburcio denied the presence of any security personnel at the scene of the young man’s death, calling for a comprehensive and independent investigation to uncover the circumstances of the incident.
Arrests and ongoing tension
Local media reported the arrest of ten people during the events, while the atmosphere remains tense in the capital. Observers fear the protests will escalate amid the deepening distrust between the street and the new government, especially after the sudden ouster of former President Dina Boluarte.
Escalating political crisis
These developments come after the Peruvian parliament ousted President Dina Boluarte on October 9, accusing her of “persistent moral inability” to address the country’s worsening security crisis.
Her dismissal was voted in by a majority of 122 out of 130 votes, far exceeding the required quorum.
José Jerri, who had been the speaker of parliament, was appointed interim president, becoming Peru’s seventh president since 2016, amid a series of successive political crises that have plagued the country over the past decade.
