At least 18 people were injured during violent anti-government protests in Lima, Peru’s capital, on Saturday night. The clashes broke out when hundreds of demonstrators confronted police near the city’s government buildings.
According to official reports, 12 police officers sustained injuries after being struck by stones and sticks. The National Association of Journalists of Peru (ANP) also confirmed that six journalists were hit by pellets allegedly fired by police while covering the demonstrations. Among them were two reporters from Exitosa Noticias and photojournalist Cesar Zamalloa, who said he was shot in the leg and hip.
The protests were organized by the youth-led “Generation Z” collective, which has become a vocal critic of President Dina Boluarte’s administration. As night fell, demonstrators joined by other dissatisfied groups attempted to march toward the presidential palace and Congress. Police responded with tear gas to prevent them from advancing.
Human rights organizations and press unions have condemned the use of force by authorities, accusing security forces of targeting civilians and media workers. The National Human Rights Coordinator in Peru described the response as “repressive” and urged accountability.
Public frustration has been mounting against President Boluarte, whose approval ratings have hit new lows. Many Peruvians accuse her government and the conservative-majority Congress of corruption and failing to address rising crime and extortion. This week, tensions escalated further when lawmakers approved a controversial law requiring young adults to join private pension funds, a move critics say burdens an already vulnerable workforce.
Another round of demonstrations is planned for Sunday, raising fears of more unrest in the capital. With her term ending next year, Boluarte faces growing challenges as anger spreads across different sectors of society.
