Police in Peru used tear gas to disperse anti-government protesters in Lima, resulting in one death and over 100 injuries. The clashes highlight escalating political unrest as young activists demand action on crime and corruption.
On Wednesday, October 15, 2025, riot police confronted thousands of demonstrators outside Peru’s Congress in the capital, Lima, firing tear gas and engaging in violent skirmishes. The protests, largely organized by Generation Z activists, saw participants sheltering in doorways and setting off firecrackers as police advanced. The scene was marked by chaos, with a heavy police presence attempting to control the crowd amid rising tensions.
The confrontation led to the death of a 32-year-old man, identified as Eduardo Ruiz Sáenz, a hip-hop artist, and left more than 100 people injured, including numerous police officers. Witnesses reported that Ruiz Sáenz was shot by a man they believed to be a plainclothes officer, though official investigations are ongoing to determine the exact circumstances. Medical personnel treated the injured at local hospitals, with many suffering from effects of tear gas and physical altercations.
These demonstrations are part of a broader movement driven by young Peruvians frustrated with the country’s political establishment. Protesters are calling for a “clean slate” and urging the government to address pervasive issues like corruption and a surge in crime, including extortion targeting public transport drivers. The activists argue that years of political instability have failed to deliver meaningful reforms, fueling public anger.
The protests erupted just days after José Jerà was sworn in as interim president, following the impeachment of his predecessor, Dina Boluarte, on grounds of “permanent moral incapacity.” JerÃ, from the conservative Somos Perú party, is Peru’s seventh president in eight years, underscoring the nation’s deep political divisions. His ascent to power has done little to quell discontent, with many viewing it as a continuation of the same political cycle.
In response to the violence, President Jerà stated that the protest had been infiltrated by criminals aiming to cause chaos and announced an investigation into the protester’s death. He expressed regret over the fatality but did not provide details on the cause, while opposition lawmakers, such as Ruth Luque, cited preliminary information indicating a bullet wound to the chest. The government’s handling of the situation has drawn criticism from human rights groups and political opponents.
The unrest reflects a generational shift, with young activists leveraging social media platforms like TikTok to organize and amplify their demands. They accuse JerÃ’s party of previously propping up Boluarte, whose approval ratings had plummeted, and are calling for his resignation in favor of an independent leader. This mobilization signals a growing impatience with traditional politics and a push for accountability from the youth.
Analysts link the current upheaval to a recent armed attack on a band on October 8, which sparked public outrage and made Boluarte’s position untenable. The ongoing protests suggest that political stability remains elusive, with many Peruvians seeking systemic changes to address corruption and insecurity. As investigations continue and the government navigates the crisis, further demonstrations are likely, posing challenges to Peru’s democratic institutions and highlighting the potent role of youth-led movements in shaping the nation’s future.