At Least 19 Injured in Peru During Anti-Government Protests

At least 19 people, including a police officer, were injured over the weekend during protests against President Dina Boluarte’s government and Congress in Peru, authorities and human rights organisations reported on Sunday.

Hundreds of demonstrators marched through downtown Lima, approaching government buildings under heavy police presence.

• Groups of young people reportedly threw stones, firebombs, and fireworks at law enforcement.
• Police responded with tear gas and rubber bullets, according to AFP journalists on site.

The National Human Rights Coordinator (CNDDHH), a human rights coalition, reported the civilian injuries. A police officer was also injured during the clashes. The National Police released images of the confrontations on social media.

The CNDDHH criticised the excessive police response, stating: “We call on the police to respect the right to protest. There was no justification for firing large amounts of tear gas, much less for attacking people.” – Mar Perez, CNDDHH lawyer

On Sunday night, hundreds of transport workers and Generation Z activists staged another protest against alleged corruption and extortion. Police used tear gas to disperse the crowd.

“We are marching against corruption, for life and against the crime that is killing us every day,” said 28-year-old engineer Adriana Flores to AFP.

Social unrest in Peru has been growing over the past six months, fuelled by:

• The Boluarte government’s law passed on 5 September, which mandates young people to contribute to private pension funds, despite widespread job insecurity.
• An unofficial youth employment rate of over 70 percent.
• Public perception of corruption in both the government and the conservative-majority Congress, according to recent polls.
• A surge in extortion and murders by organised crime groups, exacerbating public anger.

Boluarte’s approval ratings have dropped sharply, with her current term ending on 28 July 2026. Similarly, Congress is facing declining public confidence over corruption allegations.

The protests highlight ongoing frustration in Peru over economic hardship, political corruption, and insecurity, signalling potential further unrest in the coming months.

The situation remains tense, with authorities and human rights groups urging restraint and respect for peaceful protest.