Lima Protests Turn Violent
Clashes Erupt in Lima as Protests Against Corruption and New Pension Law Intensify
Lima, Peru — Hundreds of protesters took to the streets of downtown Lima over the weekend, marching toward government offices under a heavy police presence. What began as peaceful demonstrations quickly turned violent, with groups of young people hurling stones, Molotov cocktails, and fireworks at police. Officers responded with tear gas and rubber bullets, AFP journalists reported.
The National Human Rights Coordinator (CNDDHH) said 18 people were injured in the clashes, including a journalist. Authorities also confirmed that a police officer suffered first-degree burns after being struck by a Molotov cocktail. Images of the confrontations were shared on social media by the National Police.
CNDDHH, however, accused security forces of fueling the violence. “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,” said Mar Pérez, a lawyer for the organization.
On Sunday night, another march led by transport workers and the Generation Z youth collective was broken up with tear gas. Protesters accused the government of corruption and failing to address rising crime. “We are marching against corruption, for life, and against the crime that is killing us every day,” said 28-year-old engineer Adriana Flores.
Discontent has surged following the Boluarte government’s September 5 decision to require young workers to contribute to private pension funds, despite widespread job insecurity and an informal employment rate of over 70 percent.
President Dina Boluarte’s approval ratings have plunged as her term nears its final stretch, ending in July 2026. Congress, dominated by conservatives, faces similar backlash amid growing perceptions of corruption.
The protests also reflect broader frustration as Peru grapples with a wave of extortion and killings by organized crime groups, fueling social unrest across the country.
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