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The nation will soon impose emergency measures following one fatality occurred and numerous law enforcement personnel sustained injuries in massive demonstrations targeting President José Jerí, who assumed power just days ago.

Official Measures

Prime minister Ernesto Alvarez said late on Thursday that authorities would enact emergency protocols for the capital within hours and crafting a comprehensive plan to address escalating safety concerns.

Wednesday evening's demonstration – 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.

Demonstration Developments

Mass gatherings formed nationwide, with hundreds clashing with police outside congress in Lima. Law enforcement deployed crowd control measures while demonstrators launched pyrotechnics, projectiles, and incendiary devices.

"Everyone must go!" demonstrators shouted upon arriving at the legislature and attempted to breach security barricades surrounding the structure.

Casualties and Investigation

A 32-year-old man, Eduardo Mauricio Ruiz, was killed during the protest and authorities pledged to examine the circumstances, stated a human rights representative, from the national oversight institution. The nation's judicial authorities said Ruiz died after being shot.

Government Position

Jerí expressed regret over Ruiz's death through social media channels, saying the death would be "objectively" investigated. He attributed the unrest to "criminal elements exploiting peaceful protests".

"Legal consequences will be severe," he said.

After attending a meeting about the protests at congress, 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.

The newly appointed interior minister, Vicente Tiburcio told the unicameral congress that the government would push for comprehensive reform to the national police, noting significant injury counts among both officers and citizens and 11 people were detained.

Governing Challenges

Wednesday's protests were a bellwether for the new administration's trajectory – which ends next July due to scheduled elections – might develop.

The 38-year-old leader has promised to make crime his top priority but encountered multiple controversies, including corruption allegations and a now-shelved investigation for sexual assault. Jerí has denied wrongdoing in both cases and pledged full cooperation with oversight proceedings.

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.

The legislative body previously led by the current president faces comparable public disapproval, with a single-digit approval rating.