🔗 Share this article Peru to Declare State of Emergency Following Deadly Protests Against Recently Inaugurated Leader The nation will soon declare a state of emergency following one fatality occurred and numerous law enforcement personnel sustained injuries in widespread protests targeting President José JerÃ, inaugurated only a few days prior. Government Response The nation's premier announced Thursday evening that the government would declare the state of emergency in Lima imminently and crafting a comprehensive plan to address escalating safety concerns. The protest on Wednesday night – organized by youth activists, transportation unions, and civic organizations – 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 demonstrators launched pyrotechnics, projectiles, and incendiary devices. "All must leave!" protesters chanted when they reached congress and attempted to breach security barricades surrounding the structure. Casualties and Investigation A 32-year-old man, Eduardo Mauricio Ruiz, lost his life in the demonstration and his death would be investigated, said Fernando Losada, from the national oversight institution. Peru's prosecutor's office said Ruiz died after being shot. Official Statements Jerà expressed regret over Ruiz's death in a post on X, saying the death would be "objectively" investigated. He blamed violence on "delinquents who infiltrated a peaceful demonstration to sow chaos". "The full force of the law will be on them," he said. Following legislative discussions regarding the demonstrations, the president requested expanded powers to address security matters. Proposed Reforms Jerà said one focus would be prison reform, though specific authority details remained unspecified. Recently installed security chief Vicente Tiburcio told the unicameral congress that the government would push for comprehensive reform to the national police, adding that 89 police and 22 civilians had been injured during the protest and multiple individuals faced arrest. Political Context The recent demonstrations served as an indicator for the new administration's trajectory – concluding with upcoming electoral proceedings – might develop. JerÃ, 38 committed to prioritizing public safety but encountered multiple controversies, involving graft accusations and a now-shelved investigation for sexual assault. Jerà has denied wrongdoing in both cases and expressed willingness to cooperate with any corruption investigation. Previous Administration Boluarte's government encountered mass demonstrations after she assumed power in late 2022, leading to dozens of deaths and catastrophic approval rating decline, which oscillated between 2% and 4% in the days leading up to her ouster. Congress – which was headed by Jerà before he became president faces comparable public disapproval, registering minimal constituent support.