Youth Uprising in Peru: President Jerry Stands Firm Amid Calls to Resign Following Rapper Ruiz’s Death

International Desk | PNN:
Peru is facing a renewed political crisis following the death of popular young rapper and activist Eduardo Ruiz. His alleged killing by police has sparked violent nationwide protests, led predominantly by Generation Z youth. Despite the unrest, President José Jerry has refused to resign.

On Thursday, October 17, the government announced that a state of emergency will soon be declared in the capital, Lima. Ruiz, aged 32, was reportedly shot and killed during massive protests on Wednesday. The Peruvian Prosecutor’s Office has launched an official investigation into the incident.

Police Chief General Oscar Ariola stated that officer Luis Magalanes is believed to have fired the fatal shot at Ruiz’s chest. Magalanes has been arrested and dismissed from duty but is currently receiving treatment in a hospital after being attacked by enraged protesters.

Ruiz’s death marks the first casualty in this movement, which began about a month ago demanding better employment, pensions, and fair wages for young people. The protests have since expanded into a national movement against corruption and crime, intensifying further after the removal of former President Dina Boluarte last week.

On Wednesday, thousands of Peruvians participated in protests across the country. In Lima, hundreds clashed with police in front of the Congress building, demanding the resignation of newly appointed President José Jerry.

In a statement, President Jerry said, “It is my constitutional duty to maintain stability and law and order, and that is what I am doing.” He also requested special powers to combat crime during a parliamentary visit. On social media, Jerry expressed sorrow over Ruiz’s death and promised a “neutral and objective investigation.” He also alleged that “some miscreants infiltrated peaceful protests and incited violence,” adding, “The full force of the law will be applied against them.”

Al Jazeera’s Lima correspondent Mariana Sanchez noted, “Ruiz’s death has added a new dimension to the ongoing political crisis, further enraging ordinary Peruvians already frustrated with corruption, unemployment, and insecurity.”

Ruiz’s colleague and activist Milagros Samillan stated, “He was just spending time with friends when, unfortunately, police shot him in the chest. We demand justice for Ruiz.”

The Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that Ruiz’s body has been moved from the hospital for forensic examination, and audio-visual and ballistic evidence is being collected from the scene. Authorities are treating the incident as a serious human rights violation.

New Interior Minister Vicente Tibursio reported that 89 police officers and 22 civilians were injured during Wednesday’s clashes, and 11 individuals have been detained.

Over the past decade, Peru has seen seven presidents replaced, with the country navigating through corruption, drug syndicates, and political instability. Amid Ruiz’s death and the youth’s anger, President Jerry’s administration now finds itself at the epicenter of uncertainty.

Source: Al Jazeera