The National Police of Peru used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse a large protest held on Saturday in downtown Lima, known as the “Generation Z March.” The youth-led demonstration was joined by transport workers demanding urgent measures against the wave of extortion affecting their sector. 

While the initial spark came from anger over a controversial pension reform — later reversed by the government — the protests have grown into a broader rejection of President Dina Boluarte, whose approval rating has sunk below 10%, according to a Datum poll. 

The National Human Rights Coordinator reported at least 18 injured, including a journalist and a volunteer medic. Police said one officer suffered first-degree burns after being hit by a Molotov cocktail.

Meanwhile, urban transport workers, who had declared a 48-hour strike, blocked northern avenues of the capital with signs reading “Let us work without fear” and “No to extortion fees.” 

Although the strike was only partially observed, its impact was felt in the capital’s historic center, where most of the clashes took place. Protesters carried posters denouncing corruption, insecurity, and organized crime — long-standing issues that have fueled demonstrations across Peru for months. 

Tensions rose further after a video circulated online showing an elderly man being struck in the face by a police officer. The police inspectorate announced an investigation into the “alleged arbitrary use of force” and stated that the case would be referred to the Public Prosecutor’s Office.

The National Human Rights Coordinator condemned the incident and denounced the “indiscriminate use of tear gas” during the crackdown. 

Police, in turn, urged citizens to avoid bringing elderly people or minors to protests while insisting they respected the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression. 

The press was also attacked in Peru

The Foreign Press Association in Peru also expressed concern over the attacks on reporters. According to EFE, several journalists were beaten with batons and later blocked from crossing a bridge over the Rímac River.

The association reported that journalists were hit with rubber projectiles and pushed, posing a direct threat to press freedom. 

🇵🇪 #Peru: Anti-government protests that began on September 20th in the capital escalated over the last few days with hundreds of demonstrators from the youth collective 'Generation Z' clashing with police over pension reforms and broader corruption in the country.

Over 18… pic.twitter.com/2lbGZywEya

— POPULAR FRONT (@PopularFront_) September 23, 2025

Julio Campos, vice president of the National Transport Alliance (Anitra), stated that at least seven people had been arrested, though authorities have not confirmed the figure. Meanwhile, demonstrations continue, with a new march expected this Sunday. 

The Generation Z protests reflect growing social discontent with Peru’s political class. Young people who grew up amid recurring crises, inequality, and corruption are now key actors in the streets of Lima.

With public trust in institutions at historic lows and insecurity on the rise, the movement shows no sign of slowing in the near future.