Recent protests in Peru have intensified, fueled by young people demanding the resignation of the country's new president, Xose Jeri. Against the backdrop of these protests, the death of famous rapper Eduardo Ruiz and the rise in crime have further escalated tensions in the country.
Redaksiya reports that investigations into the incidents during the protests are ongoing. Peru's police chief, General Oskar Arriola, stated that there are suspicions that police officer Luis Maqallanes fired a bullet. It was noted that Maqallanes was arrested and dismissed from his job. Arriola added that Maqallanes was treated in a hospital after being subjected to a physical attack.
The protests began a month ago with demands for better pensions and wages for young people, later evolving into broader discontent over crime and corruption. These protests resulted in the removal of former president Dina Boluarte from office last week. The government announced that a state of emergency would be declared in the capital city of Lima. The Prosecutor's Office announced that it is investigating the death of 32-year-old protester and hip-hop artist Eduardo Ruiz during a mass demonstration.
"Al Jazeera" correspondent Mariana Sançez, reporting from Lima, stated that Ruiz's death has added a new layer to the ongoing political crisis in the country and further angered Peruvians who are dissatisfied with corruption and security issues. The Prosecutor's Office wrote on the "X" platform that it had issued instructions for the removal of Ruiz's body from a Lima hospital and the collection of audio-visual and ballistic evidence from the area where the incident occurred "in the context of serious violations of human rights."
President Xose Jeri, in a statement to local media, said that it is his responsibility and obligation to maintain the country's stability. He also noted that he would seek powers to combat crime. On Wednesday, thousands of people gathered across the country, and hundreds clashed with police in front of Congress in Lima, demanding Jeri's resignation. Jeri offered condolences on the "X" platform regarding Ruiz's death and stated that the death would be "objectively" investigated. He blamed the violence on "criminals who infiltrated a peaceful demonstration to create chaos."
Newly appointed Interior Minister Visente Tibursio reported that 89 police officers and 22 civilians were injured, and 11 people were detained during Wednesday's protest. Peru's President Xose Jeri refuses to resign amidst anti-government protests by young people, the death of a famous rapper, and rising crime in the country.