Protests Turn Violent in Lima as Demonstrators Clash with Police.
Hundreds of anti-government protesters clashed with police in Lima on Saturday, throwing stones and sticks as officers fired tear gas, AFP journalists reported. The protest, organized by a youth collective called Generation Z, reflects growing social unrest in Peru over organized crime, public corruption, and a recently passed pension reform.
“Today, there is less democracy than before. It’s getting worse… because of fear, because of extortion,” said 54-year-old protester Gladys, who declined to give her last name. Approximately 500 demonstrators gathered in the city center under heavy police presence.
“Congress has no credibility; it doesn’t even have the approval of the people… It is wreaking havoc in this country,” said protester Celene Amasifuen. Clashes erupted as protesters attempted to approach executive and congressional buildings in Lima. Exitosa radio reported that its reporter and cameraman were hit by pellets, commonly used by law enforcement.
Police confirmed that at least three officers were wounded during the unrest. President Dina Boluarte, whose term ends next year, has seen her approval ratings plummet amid rising cases of extortion and organized crime. Several opinion polls indicate that the government and the conservative-majority Congress are widely viewed as corrupt.
Tensions were further fueled this week after the legislature passed a law requiring young adults to contribute to a private pension fund, a move criticized for imposing financial burdens on those already facing precarious working conditions.
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