Event Summary
On 15 October 2025, nationwide demonstrations organised by the so-called Generation Z (young Peruvians without belonging to any specific group or movement), culminated in violent clashes between protesters and the National Police. The protests followed the impeachment of former President Dina Boluarte and the inauguration of José Jerí as President of the Republic, deepening Peru’s ongoing political crisis.
The confrontations left over 80 people injured, including civilians and police officers, and resulted in the death of 32-year-old Eduardo Mauricio Ruiz Sanz. Protesters demanded the president’s impeachment, changes to the congressional board of directors, decisive action against extortion and contract killings, and stronger anti-corruption measures. Tensions escalated when the police blocked side streets along Abancay Avenue and used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd. In retaliation, some protesters set fire to objects on the street.
The National Association of Journalists (ANP) reported that at least 11 journalists were injured, while the Ombudsman’s Office confirmed detention of 10 protesters. In response, the Human Rights Coordinator (CNDDHH) called for the immediate release of the arbitrarily detained youths, as well as respect for due process and their fundamental rights.
Despite these reports, Interior Minister Vicente Tiburcio defended police actions as necessary to “safeguard the right to protest,” while noting that officers had also been injured.
The violent repression of recent demonstrations and the state’s heavy-handed response have further deteriorated Peru’s enabling environment for civil society. These actions have undermined citizens’ ability to exercise fundamental rights, particularly the freedoms of peaceful assembly, expression, association, and political participation.