Alert+

Protests in Peru Escalate
After Fatal Clashes in Lima

Unrest Spreads in Peru Following Killing of Protester in Lima

SITUATION SUMMARY | Intelligence cut off: 11:30 BST 17 OCTOBER 2025

Anti-government protests in Peru, which have been ongoing since 20 September, have escalated. The protests have targeted the government of President José Jerí, who assumed office following the impeachment of former President Dina Boluarte on 10 October. While primarily centred in Lima, protests have also occurred in Arequipa, Callao, Cusco, and Puno. Fishermen’s strikes and demonstrations have concurrently occurred in Lambayeque and Piura.

The demonstrations have been fuelled by widespread discontent over corruption, political instability, and high crime rates. The trigger was a law passed on 5 September requiring all Peruvians above the age of 18 to join a pension provider, despite widespread job insecurity.

On 15 October, thousands gathered in Lima, with hundreds clashing outside the Congress building. Security forces cracked down on demonstrations with tear gas, and numerous protesters and police officers were injured. The latest figures released by The Ombudsman’s Office reveal that at least 102 people were hospitalised due to injuries sustained during the clashes, with 78 of them being police officers.

One protester, identified as popular rapper Eduardo Ruiz, was killed in the clashes after being shot by security forces. The police have since identified the officer involved in the shooting and have detained and dismissed him from his job.

In response to the unrest, Prime Minister Ernesto Alvarez announced late 16 October that the government would imminently declare a state of emergency in Lima, with a curfew under consideration. President Jerí has faced mounting pressure, with at least 19 members of parliament signing a petition to initiate impeachment proceedings against him over the handling of the protests and the resulting violence. However, the motion requires at least 33 signatures to proceed. Despite the unrest, President Jerí has stated he will not resign, even as lawmakers rejected a censure of the board of directors he chairs.

Transportation workers in Lima and Callao have announced a three-minute road blockade on 17 October in a symbolic gesture to reject violence during the anti-government protests.

INTELLIGENCE ANALYSIS

Protests Likely to Persist Across Peru Despite Government Crackdown

Despite President Jerí announcing that the death of the protester would be “objectively investigated” and that they would face the “full force of the law”, the killing of Ruiz has almost certainly deepened anti-government sentiment and inflamed protests. This has been further exacerbated by President Jerí’s refusal to step down amid escalating pressure from Peru’s parliament.

The state of emergency will likely be imposed to quell civil unrest over the weekend. Previous bouts of civil unrest in the country, such as the December 2022 to March 2023 demonstrations against the removal of Former President Pedro Castillo from office, have led to the government imposing similar states of emergency.

Under the expanded powers, the government will highly likely deploy military forces, impose curfews, and conduct mass arrests. The state of emergency imposed in 2022 failed to deal with the civil unrest, instead resulting in alleged human rights abuses, such as the use of live ammunition against protesters and forced disappearances; protests continued for months, inflamed by the perceived excessive force used by security forces.

It is likely that a state of emergency resulting in harsher measures by security forces will exacerbate protests. Demonstrations are highly likely over the weekend and into next week.

Travel and Safety Guidance for Central London During Unrest

Avoid all major government buildings, universities, and police facilities in Lima. Reassess travel to Peru.
Allocate additional time for all road travel in Lima and other urban centres in Peru.
Plan for potential internet and communications disruptions; ensure you have emergency contacts saved on your phone and plan any potential travel routes. Emergency contacts should include the local authorities, medical facilities and any consular support. Ensure that mobile phones are charged in case of any loss of electricity.
Closely monitor announcements from local authorities and media sources for any developments that may severely impact the local security environment.
Avoid all areas of unrest due to incidental risks to bystanders. If caught in the unrest, travellers should move with the crowd until they find the nearest opportunity to escape. If in a vehicle, look to turn down the nearest road. If driving away is not an option, lock the vehicle and escape on foot.
Always follow all instructions and orders from authorities. Where possible, avoid areas of active unrest and remain in a secure accommodation. Adhere to curfews.
Prolonged civil unrest can disrupt travel, especially if protesters begin targeting airports. Travellers should have contingency measures in place, including evacuation plans and reliable access to food, water and medication.
If caught in the vicinity of a security incident, seek shelter immediately and leave the area if safe to do so. Continue to adhere to all instructions issued by authorities and obey any security cordons in place.
If available, monitor your intelligence provider’s alerting platform and trusted local media for updates relevant to the unrest.