标签： South America

LIMA (AP) — Peru’s capital was engulfed in chaos as protests led by Generation Z activists turned violent overnight, resulting in at least one civilian death and over 100 injuries, including 80 police officers and 10 journalists. Authorities have launched investigations into the death of Eduardo Ruíz, a 32-year-old hip-hop singer and protester, who was reportedly shot during the mass demonstration. The incident has sparked outrage and accusations of human rights violations, with prosecutors ordering the collection of ballistic evidence and the removal of Ruíz’s body from a Lima hospital. The protests, which began a month ago over demands for better pensions and wages, have since expanded to address broader grievances, including rampant crime, corruption, and widespread disillusionment with the government. The unrest intensified following the swearing-in of Peru’s seventh president in less than a decade on October 10, with demonstrators calling for the resignation of the new president and several lawmakers. Witnesses claim the shooter responsible for Ruíz’s death was fleeing accusations of being a plainclothes police officer infiltrating the protests. The demonstrations reflect a global wave of generational discontent, with similar protests erupting in Nepal, the Philippines, Indonesia, Kenya, and Morocco. In Lima, 27-year-old electrician David Tafur joined the protests after learning about them on TikTok, expressing frustration over corruption and government violence. The protests also targeted José Jerí, the newly appointed president of Congress, who faces criticism for his alleged involvement in a rape case and his legislative support for laws perceived to weaken anti-crime efforts. The unrest underscores decades of frustration among Peruvians, who have grown increasingly cynical about their leaders’ inability to address systemic issues. Sociologist Omar Coronel noted that the protests have evolved from pension demands to encompass broader concerns about insecurity, state erosion, and corruption. The violent scenes evoke memories of earlier protests under former President Dina Boluarte, which resulted in 50 deaths. Protesters carried signs condemning abuse of power and corruption, with one woman holding a poster that read, “From a murderess to a rapist, the same filth.” Tafur summarized the sentiment, stating, “For me, it’s about outrage over abuse of power, corruption, and killings.”

Peru’s capital, Lima, witnessed violent confrontations between anti-government demonstrators and riot police, resulting in the death of a 32-year-old man and over 100 injuries, including numerous police officers. The unrest follows the swearing-in of interim President José Jerí, who assumed office after the impeachment of former President Dina Boluarte on grounds of ‘permanent moral incapacity’. The protests, led primarily by young Peruvians, demand stronger action against rampant crime and corruption. President Jerí condemned the violence, alleging that criminals had infiltrated the demonstrations to incite chaos, and pledged a thorough investigation into the protester’s death. Eduardo Ruiz Sáenz, a hip-hop artist, was identified as the deceased, with preliminary reports suggesting he died from a gunshot wound to the chest. Witnesses accused a plainclothes police officer of the shooting, though no official confirmation has been provided. The protests, which have spread across major cities, reflect widespread dissatisfaction with Peru’s political elite, whom demonstrators accuse of failing to address systemic issues. Jerí, a member of the conservative Somos Perú party, is Peru’s seventh president in eight years, highlighting the nation’s ongoing political instability. Protesters are calling for a ‘clean slate’ and demanding Jerí’s resignation in favor of an independent leader. The recent impeachment of Boluarte, whose popularity plummeted amid allegations of power abuse, has further fueled public anger. Analysts attribute the political shift to a recent armed attack on a band, which intensified calls for accountability. Boluarte remains in Peru, denying the allegations and awaiting investigations.

In a significant policy shift, Costa Rica’s President Rodrigo Chaves has further restricted access to abortion, limiting it strictly to situations where the mother’s life is in imminent danger. The decision, announced on Wednesday, eliminates the previous allowance for abortions when a pregnancy posed a threat to the mother’s health. This change was implemented through the Health Ministry without requiring legislative approval, fulfilling a promise Chaves made to religious conservatives at the Evangelical Alliance earlier this month. During a press conference, Chaves emphasized that abortion is now permissible only when there is a direct choice between the mother’s life and the life of the fetus. This move aligns Costa Rica with other Central American nations like Honduras, El Salvador, and Nicaragua, which maintain stringent abortion bans, while Guatemala permits abortion only when the mother’s life is at risk. The Evangelical Alliance praised the decision, with its president, Pastor Ronald Vargas, calling it a step toward recognizing the universal value of human life. However, critics argue that the policy change is politically motivated, aimed at appealing to conservative voters ahead of next year’s presidential elections. Laura Valenciano, a human rights advocate with the NGO Citizen Association ACCEDER, criticized the move, stating that it disproportionately burdens women and undermines their rights. Costa Rica has historically banned most abortions, with limited exceptions that were only vaguely defined until a 2019 regulation clarified that abortions could be performed if the mother’s health was at risk. Valenciano noted that she is unaware of any abortions carried out under this exception during Chaves’ presidency and called for transparency regarding the data. Chaves, who faced allegations of sexual harassment during his tenure at the World Bank, has consistently denied the accusations. His presidency has been marked by controversy, and this latest decision has reignited debates over women’s rights and political motivations in Costa Rica.

In a significant development, President Donald Trump confirmed on Wednesday that he has authorized the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to conduct covert operations within Venezuela. The announcement came during an Oval Office event, where Trump also hinted at the possibility of land operations in the region. This revelation follows a series of U.S. military strikes targeting alleged drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean, which have resulted in the destruction of at least five vessels and the deaths of 27 individuals since early September. Four of these boats reportedly originated from Venezuela.

The Trump administration is advancing plans to provide Argentina with an additional $20 billion in financial support, supplementing the $20 billion credit swap line pledged earlier this month. This new package, designed to stabilize Argentina’s faltering currency, would involve a combination of private sector banks and sovereign funds. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described the initiative as a ‘private-sector solution,’ emphasizing the interest from multiple banks and sovereign funds. The move aims to bolster Argentina’s debt market and economic recovery. However, President Donald Trump has linked the aid to the political fortunes of Argentine President Javier Milei, warning that U.S. support could be withdrawn if Milei’s party loses the upcoming midterm elections on October 26. ‘If he loses, we are not going to be generous with Argentina,’ Trump stated during a White House meeting with Milei. The Argentine peso experienced a slight depreciation following Trump’s remarks, while shares of major Argentine companies saw a modest recovery after initial declines. Opposition leaders in Argentina criticized Trump’s comments, labeling them as political interference and extortion. Former President Cristina Fernández urged Argentines to consider the implications of U.S. involvement, while other opposition figures accused Trump of prioritizing Milei’s political survival over Argentina’s welfare.