🔗 Share this article Peru to Declare State of Emergency After Deadly Protests Against New President The nation will soon declare a state of emergency following at least one person was killed and dozens of police officers were injured in widespread protests targeting the newly installed president, who assumed power just days ago. Official Measures The nation's premier said late on Thursday that authorities would enact emergency protocols for the capital within hours and crafting a comprehensive plan to address escalating safety concerns. Wednesday evening's demonstration – called by gen Z protesters, transport workers and civil groups – represented the most recent in ongoing protests targeting graft and increasing lawlessness, which led to the dramatic midnight ouster of former president Dina Boluarte last Thursday. Demonstration Developments Mass gatherings formed nationwide, with significant confrontations occurring at the legislative building. Police fired teargas while some protesters hurled fireworks, rocks and burning objects. "Everyone must go!" demonstrators shouted upon arriving at the legislature and attempted to breach security barricades surrounding the structure. Casualties and Investigation Eduardo Mauricio Ruiz, aged 32, was killed during the protest and his death would be investigated, stated a human rights representative, a representative from the country's ombudsman's office. The nation's judicial authorities said Ruiz died after being shot. Government Position The president conveyed sorrow regarding the fatality through social media channels, promising an impartial inquiry. He attributed the unrest to "criminal elements exploiting peaceful protests". "Legal consequences will be severe," he said. After attending a meeting about the protests at congress, the president requested expanded powers to address security matters. Planned Changes Jerà said one focus would be prison reform, though specific authority details remained unspecified. Recently installed security chief Vicente Tiburcio informed legislators that authorities would pursue extensive law enforcement restructuring, adding that 89 police and 22 civilians had been injured during the protest and 11 people were detained. Governing Challenges Wednesday's protests were a bellwether for the new administration's trajectory – concluding with upcoming electoral proceedings – might develop. JerÃ, 38 committed to prioritizing public safety but encountered multiple controversies, including corruption allegations and a now-shelved investigation for sexual assault. Jerà has denied wrongdoing in both cases and expressed willingness to cooperate with any corruption investigation. Historical Precedent Boluarte's government faced widespread protests following the 2022 transition, leading to dozens of deaths and catastrophic approval rating decline, registering minimal public support before removal. The legislative body previously led by the current president is almost equally unpopular, with a single-digit approval rating.