State of emergency declared in Peru

Álvarez stated that the declaration of emergency “will not be a meaningless formal gesture” and confirmed that the government has prepared a comprehensive package of measures — including the possible imposition of a curfew — which will be announced in the coming hours.

According to Agence France-Presse (AFP), the state of emergency in Lima was declared after massive demonstrations involving thousands of protesters — including youth groups, transport workers, and civil organizations — and clashes with police outside the Congress building in the capital.

Police fired tear gas at protesters, while some demonstrators hurled firecrackers, stones, and incendiary objects, chanting “Everyone must go!” as they tried to dismantle metal barriers surrounding Congress.

Peruvian President José Jerry expressed regret over the death of one protester on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), writing: “This incident will be investigated objectively.”

He blamed the violence on criminal elements who, according to him, had infiltrated an otherwise peaceful protest to sow chaos.

On Thursday, President Jerry refused to resign following the death of a demonstrator during mass protests led by Generation Z activists calling for his resignation.

Officials reported that around 100 people were injured, including 80 police officers and 10 journalists. Authorities also confirmed that they are investigating the fatal shooting of the protester.

After visiting Parliament, President Jerry told local media that he would seek expanded powers to combat crime: “My responsibility is to preserve the stability of the country. This is my duty and my commitment.”