Violent Protests Erupt in Peru Following New Leadership

One person has died amidst a wave of violent protests in Peru, just a week after interim President José Geri assumed office. Reports indicate that at least 20 others were injured, mainly police officers.

Peru has faced nearly a decade of political instability, leading to a trend where former presidents have held office for less than a year. The country is experiencing renewed chaos after Congress initiated impeachment proceedings. Former President Dina Bolarte was removed from her position recently due to “persistent moral incompetence” in handling organized crime issues.

Bolarte, who took office on December 7, 2022, after the impeachment of her predecessor, Petro Castillo, was unpopular among citizens. Castillo had been arrested following a failed coup attempt. Bolarte became the sixth president within the same year following her predecessor’s downfall. Her term lasted just over two years.

Following the prescribed order of succession, José Geri, the president of Congress, was inaugurated early Friday morning, becoming the eighth president in a decade. A general election is planned for April 12, 2026.

On Thursday, shortly after Geri’s first week in office, various youth and university groups, collectively known as “Gen Z,” organized protests in downtown Lima and other major cities. The demonstrators voiced their discontent toward the transitional government and parliament, accusing them of a lack of legitimacy and ineffective measures against corruption, while also demanding new elections. Key issues raised included youth employment and economic challenges, alongside concerns over crime.

What began as a peaceful march quickly escalated into violence, resulting in clashes between protesters and police. Roadblocks were set up, and protesters damaged public property, even igniting fires near police barriers. Reportedly, one man, 32-year-old Eduardo Luis Sanz, lost his life during the altercations.

The investigation confirmed that Sanz died from gunshot wounds. Meanwhile, the Minister of the Interior, Vicente Tiburcio, distanced the police from accountability, asserting that the Terna Urban Tactical Intelligence Unit had no involvement in the incident.

In a social media statement, Interim President Geri expressed his sorrow over Sanz’s death and extended condolences to his family, emphasizing the need for an impartial investigation.

Mayor of Lima, Renzo Reggiardo, announced that authorities had identified a suspect in Sanz’s shooting. He also remarked on the substantial damage caused by the protests and pledged to provide further details soon.

Reggiardo noted that a firearm was used by a civilian, adding that surveillance cameras had captured this critical evidence. The outcome of the investigation will dictate the legality of future actions concerning this incident.

Reports indicated that about 80 police officers were injured, many requiring hospitalization. Twelve civilians were also treated for injuries, and eight individuals faced detention amidst the unrest. By early Friday morning, the Ombudsman’s Office reported that a total of 102 individuals had been injured, comprising both civilians and police, with all expected to be released from medical care within hours.