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Peru is set to declare a state of emergency following one fatality occurred and dozens of police officers were injured in massive demonstrations targeting President José Jerí, inaugurated only a few days prior.

Official Measures

The nation's premier announced Thursday evening that authorities would enact the state of emergency in Lima imminently and is preparing a package of measures 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 against corruption and rising crime, culminating in the sudden removal of the previous administration.

Protest Dynamics

Thousands of protesters amassed around the country, with significant confrontations occurring at the legislative building. Law enforcement deployed crowd control measures while some protesters hurled fireworks, rocks and burning objects.

"Everyone must go!" demonstrators shouted when they reached congress and tried to tear down metal barriers surrounding the structure.

Victims and Inquiry

A 32-year-old man, Eduardo Mauricio Ruiz, was killed during the protest and authorities pledged to examine the circumstances, said Fernando Losada, from the national oversight institution. The nation's judicial authorities confirmed the victim sustained fatal gunshot wounds.

Government Position

Jerí expressed regret over Ruiz's death through social media channels, promising an impartial inquiry. He attributed the unrest to "criminal elements exploiting peaceful protests".

"The full force of the law will be on them," he said.

Following legislative discussions regarding the demonstrations, Jerí said he would ask congress for "authority to legislate on public safety issues".

Proposed Reforms

Jerí 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

Wednesday's protests were a bellwether for how Jerí's nascent presidency – which ends next July due to scheduled elections – might develop.

The 38-year-old leader has promised to make crime his top priority but has faced a number of scandals, involving graft accusations and a now-shelved investigation for sexual assault. Jerí has denied wrongdoing in both cases and expressed willingness to cooperate with any corruption investigation.

Previous Administration

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 faces comparable public disapproval, with a single-digit approval rating.