đź”— Share this article The Peruvian government to Declare State of Emergency Following Deadly Protests Targeting Recently Inaugurated Leader Peru is set to declare a state of emergency following at least one person was killed and numerous law enforcement personnel sustained injuries in massive demonstrations against President JosĂ© JerĂ, inaugurated only a few days prior. Official Measures Prime minister Ernesto Alvarez said late on Thursday 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, which led to the dramatic midnight ouster of former president Dina Boluarte last Thursday. Demonstration Developments Mass gatherings formed nationwide, with hundreds clashing with police outside congress in Lima. Police fired teargas while some protesters hurled fireworks, rocks and burning objects. "Everyone must go!" protesters chanted upon arriving at the legislature and tried to tear down metal barriers surrounding the structure. Casualties and Investigation Eduardo Mauricio Ruiz, aged 32, lost his life in the demonstration and authorities pledged to examine the circumstances, stated a human rights representative, from the national oversight institution. Peru's prosecutor's office said Ruiz died after being shot. Government Position JerĂ expressed regret over Ruiz's death through social media channels, saying the death would be "objectively" investigated. He blamed violence on "delinquents who infiltrated a peaceful demonstration to sow chaos". "Legal consequences will be severe," he affirmed. After attending a meeting about the protests at congress, the president requested expanded powers to address security matters. Proposed Reforms JerĂ said one focus would be prison reform, but did not elaborate on what those powers would entail. The newly appointed interior minister, Vicente Tiburcio informed legislators 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 11 people were detained. Governing Challenges Wednesday's protests were a bellwether for the new administration's trajectory – concluding with upcoming electoral proceedings – could play out. JerĂ, 38 committed to prioritizing public safety but encountered multiple controversies, including corruption allegations and previously examined misconduct claims. JerĂ has denied wrongdoing in both cases and pledged full cooperation with oversight proceedings. Previous Administration Boluarte's government encountered mass demonstrations following the 2022 transition, resulting in multiple fatalities and a plunge in her popularity levels, registering minimal public support before removal. The legislative body previously led by the current president faces comparable public disapproval, registering minimal constituent support.