Peru’s President Stands Firm Amid Deadly Protests Over Crime

UPDATE: Peru’s newly appointed president, Jose Jeri, is refusing to resign following a surge of Gen Z protests that have escalated into violence, leaving one person dead. The unrest was ignited by the tragic killing of popular rapper Eduardo Ruiz, who was fatally shot during a demonstration in Lima on October 4, 2023. As tensions rise, the government is set to declare a state of emergency in the capital.

The prosecutor’s office has launched an investigation into Ruiz’s death, which marks the first fatality in a month-long wave of protests demanding better wages and pensions for the youth. Authorities report that Ruiz, aged 32, was shot during a mass protest where thousands rallied against the government and called for Jeri’s resignation, amid fears of rising crime and corruption.

Police Chief General Oscar Arriola confirmed that Luis Magallanes, a police officer, is suspected of firing the fatal shot. He has been detained and dismissed from his position, while also receiving medical treatment after being assaulted by protesters. Jeri expressed his condolences for Ruiz’s death, stating it would be investigated “objectively.”

Protesters clashed violently with police outside Congress in Lima, with 89 police officers and 22 civilians reported injured during the unrest. The protests have become a focal point for broader frustrations in Peru, culminating in the ousting of former President Dina Boluarte just last week.

Activist Milagros Samillan expressed the community’s anguish, stating, “He was peacefully hanging out with his friends. Unfortunately, the bullet hit his chest. We want justice for him.”

In a statement on social media, Jeri emphasized his commitment to maintaining national stability, blaming the violence on “delinquents” infiltrating peaceful protests. “The full force of the law will be on them,” he asserted.

As the situation continues to unfold, the prosecutor’s office has ordered the retrieval of Ruiz’s body from a local hospital, alongside the collection of evidence related to serious human rights violations.

The escalating crisis has not only raised calls for justice but has also ignited a national debate on governance and public safety. Peruvians are demanding accountability and change amidst a backdrop of despair over crime and corruption.

Authorities are urging calm while preparing for further protests in the coming days. The world is watching as Peru navigates this turbulent chapter in its history, with citizens increasingly vocal about their demands for a better future.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.