Peru’s President Defies Resignation Calls Amid Protests, 1 Dead

UPDATE: Peru’s newly appointed President Jose Jeri is refusing to resign as violent protests continue to escalate across the nation, sparked by the tragic death of 32-year-old rapper and activist Eduardo Ruiz. The unrest has left one dead and hundreds injured, igniting widespread demands for change from the government.

Authorities announced late Thursday that a state of emergency would be declared in the capital, Lima, following clashes between protesters and police that erupted on July 12, 2023. The protests began a month ago, fueled by calls for improved pensions and wages for young people. Ruiz’s death has become a catalyst for broader frustrations over crime and corruption in Peru, leading to the ouster of former President Dina Boluarte just last week.

In a grim development, General Oscar Arriola, the national police chief, confirmed that a member of the police force, Luis Magallanes, has been detained in connection with Ruiz’s death. Magallanes is believed to have fired the fatal shot and is currently receiving treatment in a hospital after being attacked by demonstrators.

The protests intensified Wednesday, with thousands gathering nationwide and hundreds clashing with law enforcement outside Congress in Lima. Protesters are insisting that Jeri, the seventh leader in less than a decade, step down. Amid the chaos, Jeri stated, “My responsibility is to maintain the stability of the country; that is my responsibility and my commitment.” He vowed to request additional powers to address the rising violence.

On social media platform X, Jeri expressed his sorrow over Ruiz’s death, promising that it would be “objectively” investigated while condemning the violence as a result of “delinquents who infiltrated a peaceful demonstration to sow chaos.” He pledged, “The full force of the law will be on them.”

Activists are demanding justice for Ruiz, who was described by a friend as “peacefully hanging out with his friends” when he was shot. “Unfortunately, the bullet hit his chest. We want justice for him,” said activist Milagros Samillan in an interview with Al Jazeera.

The prosecutor’s office has ordered the removal of Ruiz’s body from a Lima hospital and is collecting evidence related to the incident, citing serious human rights violations. Newly appointed Interior Minister Vicente Tiburcio reported that 89 police officers and 22 civilians were injured during Wednesday’s protests, with 11 people detained.

As the situation develops, the international community is watching closely. Calls for accountability and reforms are growing louder, reflecting the deep-seated frustrations of Peruvians grappling with persistent issues of corruption and insecurity.

Stay tuned for more updates on this unfolding crisis in Peru.