One person was killed and more than 100 others were injured during violent clashes that erupted overnight from Wednesday to Thursday in Lima, the capital of Peru, amid large-scale protests against the political establishment and organized crime, according to an updated report released by authorities and cited by AFP.
The demonstrations, which have been intensifying for a month, saw thousands of Peruvians take to the streets in Lima, Arequipa (south), Cusco (southeast), and Puno (southeast) to denounce a wave of murders and criminal acts attributed to organized crime groups.
In Lima, confrontations between protesters and police resulted in the death of a 32-year-old man, identified by interim President José Jeri on the social platform X as Eduardo Ruiz Sanz.
The National Human Rights Coordination, a Peruvian NGO, stated that “the victim was hit by a gunshot that may have been fired by a plainclothes police officer.” The NGO also reported that 102 people were treated in emergency services—24 civilians and 78 police officers.
Peru has been facing a deepening security crisis, with transport operators particularly affected. At least 47 bus drivers have been murdered since January, prompting the dismissal of former President Dina Boluarte last Friday. Parliament President José Jeri has since assumed the role of interim president until July 2026.
Wednesday’s protest, which had been planned before the unexpected government shake-up, was organized by “Gen Z”, a youth-led movement of 18- to 30-year-olds gaining traction internationally. The movement’s symbol is the “One Piece” flag, inspired by the world’s best-selling manga series whose protagonist, Luffy, rebels against oppressive powers.
“There’s a general feeling of frustration because the state is doing nothing,” said Amanda Meza, a 49-year-old protester, as she marched toward Congress. “Citizen insecurity, extortion, and contract killings have increased significantly,” she added, while the crowd chanted, “No more deaths!”
As the evening progressed, some demonstrators attempted to breach the security barriers near Congress. Police responded with tear gas, shields, and batons, while protesters hurled stones and firecrackers.
Police spokesperson General Óscar Arriola told RPP radio that four officers were evacuated with injuries, condemning “a high level of violence, destruction, and attacks against police officers.”
President Jeri announced that police body cameras and city surveillance footage would be used to identify “delinquents who infiltrated a peaceful protest to sow chaos,” pledging that “the full force of the law will be applied.”