LIMA: Peru’s capital descended into chaos as youth-led protests against rising crime and corruption turned violent, leaving at least 55 police officers and 20 civilians injured, according to President José Jerí.
Thousands of demonstrators poured into Lima’s streets on Wednesday, joined by artists’ groups, labor unions, and the “Generation Z” collective, demanding reforms and an end to what they call the country’s “rotten political order.”
Clashes erupted near the Congress building when protesters attempted to breach security barriers, prompting police to fire tear gas.
“There’s no security from the state — extortion and murders have grown massively,” said protester Amanda Meza, 49, reflecting widespread frustration with the government’s failure to stem crime.
Political Turmoil and Rising Crime Crisis
The unrest comes less than a week after Congress ousted President Dina Boluarte for “permanent moral incapacity,” amid corruption scandals and public anger over surging violence.
Her administration had been tainted by the “Rolexgate” scandal and collapsing approval ratings.
Her successor, José Jerí, formerly head of Congress, has pledged to “declare war” on organized crime, but public skepticism runs deep. Criminal gangs such as Los Pulpos and Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua have expanded their grip, fueling daily extortion, contract killings, and kidnappings.
Peru, now on its eighth president in a decade, continues to reel from chronic political instability. Demonstrations have disrupted tourism, paralyzed transport links to Machu Picchu, and intensified calls for early elections and structural reform ahead of the April 2026 polls.
