Violent clashes erupted in Lima, Peru, on Wednesday, resulting in at least one death and over 100 injuries, according to authorities. The unrest came as demonstrators demanded the removal of the newly installed government, led by interim President Jose Jeri. Jeri was appointed by Congress after the impeachment of President Dina Boluarte last week, amid widespread anger over rampant crime and corruption scandals.
The protests, which involved thousands of mostly young demonstrators and labor unions, turned violent when protesters attempted to breach security barriers outside Congress. Riot police intervened, and protesters reportedly hurled stones, Molotov cocktails, and fireworks at the officers, who responded with tear gas and flares. The protesters are calling for Jeri’s ouster and transparent elections, citing frustration with the perceived corruption and inefficiency of the government.
Jeri has vowed to prioritize fighting crime, but his appointment has been met with skepticism by many. An Ipsos poll last month showed that only 5% of respondents approved of his performance as head of Congress, while nearly 80% disapproved. Peru has experienced significant political instability in recent years, with seven governments in the past decade.
The current wave of violence in Lima has been fueled by a surge in extortion cases, which have risen from a few hundred per year in 2017 to over 2,000 per month in 2025. This has resulted in the deaths of dozens of bus drivers and the bombing of businesses, prompting the declaration of a state of emergency earlier this year.
Jeri has condemned the protests as “irresponsible” and alleged that criminals had infiltrated the rally to create chaos. He has vowed to hold those responsible for the violence accountable, promising that they will face “the full weight of the law.” The situation in Lima remains volatile, with many Peruvians expressing frustration with the government’s inability to address the underlying issues driving the violence and corruption.
