LIMA, Peru — Violent clashes erupted in the Peruvian capital on Wednesday as youth-led anti-crime demonstrations turned deadly, leaving at least one person dead and more than 100 people injured, according to official reports. The unrest marks the latest escalation in a wave of nationwide protests against corruption, political instability, and a deepening crime crisis that has gripped the Andean nation.
Death of 32-Year-Old Protester Sparks Outrage
President José Jeri, who assumed office just days ago following the impeachment of Dina Boluarte, confirmed the death of Eduardo Ruiz Sanz, a 32-year-old protester, during Wednesday night’s demonstrations in Lima.
“I deeply regret the death of citizen Eduardo Ruiz Sanz,” President Jeri posted on X (formerly Twitter), offering condolences to the family but providing no details about the incident.
The National Human Rights Coordinator, a Peruvian NGO, said preliminary evidence suggests that Ruiz may have been shot by a plainclothes police officer, raising fresh concerns over excessive use of force by law enforcement.
The Ombudsman’s Office reported 102 injuries, including 24 civilians and 78 police officers, after hours of violent confrontations around Congress and Plaza San Martín, the epicenter of political protests in Lima.
Protesters Demand Action on Crime and Corruption
The protests were spearheaded by youth collectives, artists, feminist organizations, and labor unions, demanding urgent government action to curb the rise in violent crime, corruption, and political impunity.
“There’s no security from the state,” said Amanda Meza, a 49-year-old freelancer marching toward Congress. “Extortion and contract killings have grown massively in Peru. Nothing has been done.”
As evening fell, tensions escalated when protesters attempted to breach barricades surrounding Congress, throwing stones and setting off fireworks. Police in riot gear responded with tear gas and batons, dispersing the crowd but inflaming anger among demonstrators.
AFP correspondents at the scene witnessed clashes continuing into the night, with injured police officers seen bleeding from head wounds caused by projectiles.
Weeks of Unrest and a Crisis of Leadership
Peru has been mired in political turmoil and public discontent for weeks. Lawmakers voted on October 10 to impeach President Dina Boluarte, following widespread criticism of her handling of the crime wave, which has seen a surge in extortion, kidnappings, and gang-related murders.
Boluarte, who herself rose to power in 2022 after the removal of President Pedro Castillo, faced corruption allegations and accusations of failing to confront organized crime networks that have infiltrated local governments and police forces.
Following her ouster, Congress leader José Jeri, a right-wing politician, assumed the presidency as interim leader until new elections scheduled for April 2026. But his short tenure has already been marred by controversy and renewed protests.
Allegations Against President Jeri Add to Anger
Adding to public fury, feminist and human rights groups have revived sexual assault allegations against Jeri. Although the case was dismissed in August 2025 for lack of evidence, activists argue that his presidency symbolizes a broader culture of impunity and inequality within Peru’s political elite.
Demonstrations on Wednesday were joined by women’s rights organizations, who marched alongside anti-crime protesters holding signs reading “No More Corruption, No More Violence” and “Justice for the People.”
A Crime Wave Sweeping the Nation
The protests come amid a dramatic surge in violent crime across Peru, where extortion rings, contract killings, and kidnappings have become increasingly common.
Authorities blame transnational gangs such as Los Pulpos and Tren de Aragua — a Venezuelan criminal organization operating across Latin America — for much of the violence.
“We live in fear every day,” said Carlos Medina, a shop owner in northern Lima. “If you don’t pay protection money, they burn your business or threaten your family.”
According to Peru’s Interior Ministry, homicides have risen by over 25% in 2025 compared to last year, with contract killings and extortion-related attacks becoming daily occurrences in Lima, Trujillo, and Chiclayo.
Government Response: ‘War on Organized Crime’
In a televised address late Wednesday, President Jeri vowed to “declare war on organized crime” and restore order.
“The criminals who exploit the suffering of our people will face the full force of the state,” Jeri said.
“Peaceful protest is a right, but violence will not be tolerated.”
Critics, however, argue that the government’s promises are hollow and fail to address deep-rooted corruption within law enforcement and politics.
Security analysts say the situation is reminiscent of the 2019–2023 unrest, when repeated changes in leadership and economic stagnation fueled distrust in government institutions.
A Nation on Edge
As Peru braces for more protests in the coming days, fears are mounting of further escalation. Civil society groups have called for an independent investigation into Ruiz’s death and allegations of police brutality.
Human rights organizations warn that Peru’s democratic stability is at risk if the government continues to rely on force rather than reform.
“Peru’s crisis is not just about crime—it’s about broken trust in the political system,” said Sofía Quispe, a political analyst at the Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos. “The people are demanding justice, transparency, and safety. They’ve lost faith in everyone in power.”
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