Peru’s interim government said it would declare a state of emergency in the capital Lima after clashes between anti-government protesters and police turned deadly.
For weeks, youth-led demonstrations have been taking to the streets of Peruvian cities denouncing low wages, corruption and organized crime. On Wednesday, when protests turned violent in the center of the capital, one person was shot dead and more than 100 were injured. About 80 police officers were also injured.
The President says he will stay
Last week, former President Dina Doluarte was ousted from office by lawmakers who cited her government’s inability to curb crime.
His replacement, President Jose Jerry, is already facing calls from protesters to step down. Jerry told reporters on Thursday that he would not resign.
Jerry, 38, said, “My responsibility is to maintain the stability of the country; that is my responsibility and commitment.” He said he would ask Congress for “the authority to legislate on public safety issues.”
murder of hip hop singer
On Thursday, Peru’s prosecutor’s office said it was investigating the death Wednesday of Eduardo Ruiz, a 32-year-old protester and hip-hop singer.
Prosecutors said Ruiz was shot during the protest. Police said the officer who pulled the trigger was physically assaulted.
President Jerry expressed regret, saying Ruiz’s firing should be investigated “impartially”
Jerry said the violence was the result of “criminals who infiltrated a peaceful demonstration to spread chaos,” and promised to enforce “the full force of the law.”
Edited by: Wesley Rahn