Police and young anti-government protesters clashed in the Peruvian capital, Lima, over the weekend.
A rights group reported at least 18 injuries among protesters during the demonstrations held on Saturday and Sunday, labeled the 'Gen Z march' by organizers. Additionally, one police officer suffered burns during the unrest.
The protests centered around groups of young individuals, primarily under 30 years old, who were joined by taxi and bus drivers marching towards Congress. Their anger was directed at a backdrop of growing corruption scandals and increasing insecurity.
Protesters engaged in confrontations that saw stones and other missiles thrown, leading to police dispersing crowds with tear gas and rubber bullets, as reported by the AFP news agency.
The protests originated on September 20 in response to a controversial pension reform that mandates young citizens to contribute to a private pension fund.
As President Dina Boluarte’s approval ratings languish in the single digits, disillusioned citizens are increasingly vocal about their desire for her resignation. A participant, 28-year-old Adriana Flores, stated, 'We are marching against corruption, for life, and against the crime that is killing us every day.'
The protests received additional support from transport workers impacted by extortion from gangs, notably the Tren de Aragua, with drivers demanding better protection from rising threats.
Some protesters carried placards demanding 'a life without fear' and urged reforms to tackle the governance failures attributed to Congress. A significant number expressed frustration over the lack of representation in legislative actions.
The demonstrators sang the national anthem as they faced police barricades, underscoring their unity in advocating for change. Observers from human rights groups criticized the police's excessive force, as calls for accountability and justice reverberate throughout the nation. With claims of oppressive governance and disinterest from Congress, many Peruvians express a dire need for systemic reform and community safety.
