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ConflictsPeru

Peru to impose state of emergency after protests turn deadly

Felix Tamsut Reuters, AP
October 17, 2025

Weeks of youth-led demonstrations in Peru have descended into violence amid calls for interim President Jose Jeri to resign.

Demonstrators clash with anti-riot police officers
Dozens of people have been injured in ongoing anti-government protestsImage: Connie France/AFP/Getty Images

Peru's interim government said a state of emergency will be declared in the capital, Lima, after clashes between anti-government protesters and police turned deadly. 

For weeks, youth led demonstrations have taken to the streets of Peruvian cities, decrying low wages, corruption and organized crime. On Wednesday, one man was shot dead, and 100 more were injured, when protests turned violent in the center of the capital. Some 80 police officers were also injured.

President says he will stay 

Last week, former President Dina Doluarte was ousted from office by lawmakers, who cited her government's inability to curb crime. 

Her replacement, President Jose Jeri, is already facing calls by protesters to step down. On Thursday, Jeri told reporters he would not resign. 

"My responsibility is to maintain the stability of the country; that is my responsibility and my commitment," 38-year-old Jeri said. He added that he would ask Congress for "authority to legislate on public safety issues."

Gen Z demonstrators played an important role in the protests in PeruImage: Klebher Vasquez/Anadolu Agency/IMAGO

Hip-hop singer killed 

On Thursday, Peru's prosecutor's office said it was investigating the death on Wednesday of 32-year-old protester and hip-hop singer Eduardo Ruiz. 

Prosecutors said Ruiz was shot during the protests. Police said the officer who had pulled the trigger was physically attacked. 

Ruiz's shooting is to be "objectively" investigated, President Jeri said, while expressing regret

Jeri said the violence was as a result of "delinquents who infiltrated a peaceful demonstration to sow chaos," and promised to apply "the full force of the law.

Edited by: Wesley Rahn 

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