Home Blog Page 181

Russian court convicts 15 Ukrainian soldiers on terrorism charges

By
Simeon Bateren
-
0

ROSTOV-ON-DON, Russia (BN24) — In a widely criticized move, a Russian military court convicted 15 Ukrainian soldiers on terrorism charges Friday, sentencing them to prison terms of up to 21 years. The soldiers, members of Ukraine’s Aidar battalion, were found guilty in a trial that Ukrainian officials and human rights organizations have denounced as a blatant violation of international law.

The Second Western District Military Court in Rostov-on-Don delivered sentences ranging from 15 to 21 years. This conviction marks the second mass trial of Ukrainian prisoners of war, following a similar ruling in March where 23 soldiers from the Azov Brigade were convicted on analogous charges.

Ukraine’s human rights envoy, Dmytro Lubinets, was quick to condemn the ruling, calling the trial “shameful.” He asserted that Russia was criminalizing those who had fought to defend their homeland against foreign aggression. “Russia is making criminals out of those who defended their native land,” Lubinets stated, underscoring the political nature of the charges.

The trial has drawn sharp rebukes from human rights groups, including Memorial, one of Russia’s leading human rights organizations. Memorial has labeled the convicted soldiers as political prisoners, asserting that the proceedings violated the core principles of international law. The group condemned the court’s actions as a breach of the Geneva Conventions, which prohibit the prosecution of prisoners of war solely for their participation in armed conflict.

“This grossly violates the provisions of the Geneva Convention, which prohibits the prosecution of prisoners of war solely for their participation in an armed conflict,” Memorial said in a statement. The human rights organization emphasized that the soldiers were being tried for serving in the Aidar battalion, rather than being accused of specific war crimes.

The Aidar battalion, which was formed in 2014 in the wake of Russia’s annexation of Crimea, is among several volunteer battalions that became integral to Ukraine’s defense against Russian-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine. Russia has designated both the Azov and Aidar battalions as terrorist organizations, accusing them of committing war crimes and atrocities—claims that Ukrainian officials and defenders of the battalions fiercely contest.

The trial took place in Rostov-on-Don, a city in southern Russia near the Ukrainian border, and was held mostly behind closed doors. Journalists were allowed to attend only the initial sessions and the announcement of the verdict. Human rights advocates have raised concerns over the lack of transparency in the proceedings, as well as the broader context of politically motivated trials targeting Ukrainian soldiers.

Both the Ukrainian government and international bodies have expressed grave concern over Russia’s use of terrorism charges against soldiers engaged in a conflict where the lines between combatant and prisoner of war have become increasingly blurred. The convictions are seen as part of a broader pattern of legal actions by Russia aimed at undermining the legitimacy of Ukraine’s armed forces and the volunteer battalions that have played a central role in the country’s defense.

As Russia continues its military campaign in Ukraine, the fate of prisoners of war has emerged as a key point of international debate, with calls for adherence to the Geneva Conventions and the protection of those captured during armed conflicts. The sentencing of the 15 soldiers serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing human rights challenges faced by both sides in the war.

Barcelona aims to bounce back against Girona after first La Liga defeat

By
Simeon Bateren
-
0

BARCELONA, Spain (BN24) — Barcelona is hoping to recover from its first loss of the La Liga season as it prepares to face Catalan rivals Girona on Saturday. After a strong start to the season, Barcelona’s unbeaten streak was shattered by a humbling 4-1 defeat to Sevilla just before the international break. Before that setback, they had won five of their opening six games, dominating the league. The loss to Sevilla saw them drop two points behind Real Madrid, who regained the top spot in the standings.

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick will look to rally his squad, which has been dealing with injuries, in what promises to be a crucial match. In positive news for the team, teen sensation Lamine Jamal and midfielder Fermin Lopez are expected to return to the squad. However, both may feature for limited minutes as they continue to recover from their respective injuries.

Girona, currently languishing in 18th place, will also be looking for a turnaround after a difficult start to the season. With only one win from their first eight matches, the visitors will be hoping to build on recent performances that suggest they are beginning to find their rhythm.

The fixture between the two Catalan sides has been a closely contested affair in recent years. In their last five La Liga meetings, both teams have secured two victories each, with one match ending in a draw. This balanced record adds an extra layer of intrigue to what promises to be a fiery encounter at the Camp Nou.

Barcelona will need a strong response to get back on track, especially with their domestic title hopes at stake. Fans will be watching closely as their team seeks to recover from a challenging setback and push forward in the highly competitive La Liga race.

Slug: barcelona-bounce-back-girona-la-liga

Manhunt underway after 7 men killed in brutal Philippi east shooting

By
Simeon Bateren
-
0

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (BN24) — A chilling act of violence unfolded in Philippi East on Friday night when seven young men were shot and killed in a targeted attack that has left the community reeling. The victims, all aged between 20 and 30, were gunned down on Road 53 in the Better Life area, an area known for its tight-knit community. The attack has sparked a large-scale manhunt for those responsible, with authorities vowing to bring the killers to justice.

According to reports, the brutal shooting took place late in the evening, when the victims were either gathered in the area or in the midst of an unknown activity. While the motive remains unclear, law enforcement agencies suspect that the shooting could be linked to ongoing tensions or criminal activity in the region.

Police spokesperson Colonel Andrè condemned the attack, calling it a “senseless act of violence.” He emphasized the urgency of the investigation, describing it as a “tragic loss of life” that the force is determined to address swiftly. “This violence is not only a tragedy for the victims and their families but for our entire community,” he said.

The Western Cape police force has deployed detectives from the Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Unit to lead the investigation. These detectives are working around the clock to identify the shooters, analyzing witness statements, surveillance footage, and other critical leads that may point to the perpetrators.

In a statement, Lieutenant General (Adv.) Thembisile Patekile, the Provincial Commissioner for the Western Cape, expressed his grave concerns over the rise in violent crime across the region. “We are facing a concerning surge in violence, and we are fully committed to ensuring that those responsible for this horrific act are brought to justice,” Patekile said. “However, we need the community’s cooperation in solving this crime and preventing further violence.”

Patekile’s call for community involvement highlights the importance of collaboration in the face of rising crime. He urged residents to step forward with any information, no matter how small, that might aid the investigation. “Community cooperation is crucial in bringing those responsible to book and restoring safety to our neighbourhoods,” he added.

Colonel Andrè echoed the call for public assistance, urging anyone who may have witnessed the shooting or who has any relevant information to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111. “All information will be treated with the strictest confidentiality,” he assured, underscoring the need for trust between the public and law enforcement.

The authorities are also urging anyone with footage from nearby surveillance cameras or dashcams to come forward, as such evidence could prove vital in identifying the perpetrators. As the investigation unfolds, police are prioritizing community outreach and securing the cooperation of local leaders to help calm tensions and prevent any further violence.

As of now, the identities of the victims have not been released, pending further investigation and notification of their families. The community is left in shock, grappling with the scale of the tragedy. Locals have expressed fear and uncertainty, with many questioning whether this incident is part of a larger trend of violence in the area.

The Better Life area, where the shooting occurred, has seen sporadic violence over the years, but this incident is one of the most deadly in recent memory. The proximity to other areas experiencing gang-related violence adds a layer of concern, and many fear the shooting could be related to turf wars or disputes between rival criminal groups.

Authorities are also examining any potential links between this shooting and other recent violent incidents in the region, as well as any gang-related activity that may have played a role in triggering the attack.

While the manhunt is underway, the need for swift justice and public cooperation remains paramount. Police hope that with the community’s help, the killers will be brought to justice and that the violence plaguing Philippi East will subside, restoring a sense of safety to the region.

As Cape Town grapples with this tragic loss, the manhunt continues, with the full resources of the Western Cape police mobilized in the effort to track down those responsible.

3 neo-Nazis jailed for plotting terrorist attacks on mosques and synagogues in England

By
admin
-
0

Three neo-Nazis who stockpiled a massive weapons arsenal and plotted terrorist attacks on mosques and synagogues across England were sentenced Friday to a combined 29 years in prison, after a judge warned their extremist ideology remained dangerous.

Brogan Stewart, 25, was sentenced to 11 years in prison; Christopher Ringrose, 34, to 10 years; and Marco Pitzettu, 25, to eight years at Sheffield Crown Court. The trio, described by prosecutors as “dangerous extremists preparing for a race war,” had amassed more than 200 weapons—including crossbows, machetes, swords, axes, hunting knives, and body armor—along with 3D-printed firearm components.

Investigators discovered an almost completed FGC-9 Mk II assault rifle in Ringrose’s loft. The gun was missing only its barrel and firing pin. Prosecutors said the men were actively sourcing those components, warning the weapon “could have been used to devastating consequences” if finished.

Extremist cell infiltrated

The court heard that Stewart, Ringrose, and Pitzettu bonded online over “prepping” culture and survivalist YouTube videos but soon formed a private neo-Nazi chat group called “Einsatz 14,” where they planned violent actions. They recruited like-minded extremists, discussed uniforms, and identified mosques and synagogues as potential targets.

An undercover counterterrorism officer infiltrated their encrypted Telegram group on Jan. 5 last year. In one message, Stewart expressed frustration with far-right groups that “just sit around and talk,” saying he wanted to form his own group “because action speaks louder than words.”

Stewart, from Tingley, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, appointed himself as the leader and named Ringrose, of Cannock, Staffordshire, and Pitzettu, of Mickleover, Derbyshire, as “armourers.” On Feb. 5, the group discussed plans to “cruise around” near an Islamic education center looking for “human targets,” then regroup afterward for “tea and medals.”

They planned to meet in person for the first time on Feb. 18 to “cement that brotherhood,” but before the gathering could occur, police raided multiple properties on Feb. 20 and arrested them.

Convictions and sentencing

In May, all three men were convicted of preparing acts of terrorism and possessing information useful for terrorism. The jury rejected defense claims that they were merely fantasizing online.

Ringrose was also found guilty of manufacturing a prohibited firearm component, while Pitzettu pleaded guilty to possessing a stun gun. Evidence presented in court included a 374-page dossier of their internet activity, which prosecutors said “laid bare” their extremist worldview, glorifying Hitler, white supremacy, and race war.

Judge Mrs. Justice Cutts, sentencing the men, said she believed they continued to hold “extreme right-wing ideology” and posed a danger upon release. Although she concluded an attack was not imminent, she ruled one was “likely in the not too distant future” if they had not been stopped.

“This was a group motivated by hatred toward Muslims, Jews, Black people and immigrants,” the judge said. “Their ideology was laid bare in their communications—an admiration of Hitler and mass killers, and a clear belief that a race war was inevitable.”

news.sky

Trump says Venezuelan President Maduro does not want to ‘fuck’ with the United States amid escalating Caribbean tensions

By
admin
-
0

WASHINGTON (BN24) — President Donald Trump said Friday that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro does not want to challenge the United States, amid escalating tensions between Washington and Caracas following military strikes in the Caribbean.

Trump’s comments followed a Reuters report, citing three sources, that the U.S. military was holding two survivors on a Navy ship after a U.S. strike on their suspected Caribbean drug vessel killed two others.

Thursday’s strike was the latest in a campaign declared by Trump against a “narcoterrorist” threat he says is emanating from Venezuela and is linked to Maduro. U.S. military strikes against suspected drug boats off Venezuela have killed at least twenty-seven people, raising alarms among some legal experts and mostly Democratic lawmakers who question whether they adhere to the laws of war.

In response to a reporter’s question about a report that Maduro had offered “everything,” including the OPEC member’s natural resources, to secure a deal with the United States, Trump said: “He’s offered everything. You’re right. You know why? Because he doesn’t want to fuck around with the United States.”

Trump’s remarks, during a joint appearance with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy at the White House, came against the backdrop of a U.S. military buildup in the Caribbean that includes guided missile destroyers, F-35 fighter jets, a nuclear submarine and around sixty-five hundred troops.

The Venezuelan communication ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but the Venezuelan government has scoffed at media reports of negotiations by high-ranking officials to oust Maduro.

Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez posted a selfie with Maduro to Telegram on Thursday in response to what she said were “liars.”

On Wednesday, Trump disclosed he had authorized the Central Intelligence Agency to conduct covert operations inside Venezuela, adding to speculation in Caracas that the United States is attempting to oust Maduro.

Maduro has denied any connection to drug smuggling and denounced the U.S. boat strikes as a pretext for regime change, portraying them as violations of sovereignty and international law.

Trump, who had campaigned unsuccessfully for this year’s Nobel Peace Prize, also brought up this year’s winner, Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. The fifty-eight-year-old industrial engineer was awarded the coveted prize last Friday.

“I didn’t get a Nobel Prize. Somebody got it, who’s a very nice woman, very nice,” Trump said. “I don’t know who she is, but she was very generous. So I don’t care about all that stuff. I just care about saving lives.”

The Trump administration argues it is in a war with narcoterrorist groups from Venezuela, making the strikes legitimate under international law. However, legal experts and some members of Congress have questioned whether the operations meet the legal standards for armed conflict and whether they violate principles of proportionality and distinction between combatants and civilians.

The military buildup in the Caribbean represents one of the largest U.S. force deployments to the region in recent decades. The presence of a nuclear submarine and advanced fighter jets signals a significant escalation in U.S. military posture toward Venezuela.

Less than a week ago, the Pentagon announced its counter-narcotics operations in the region would not be led by the Miami-based Southern Command, but by II Marine Expeditionary Force, a unit capable of rapid overseas operations based at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. That decision surprised military analysts, since a combatant command like Southern Command would normally lead high-profile operations.

The head of U.S. Southern Command, Admiral Alvin Holsey, announced Thursday he would step down at the end of this year, two years ahead of schedule, in what sources described as related to tensions with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over Caribbean operations.

Trump’s disclosure of CIA covert operations inside Venezuela marked an unusual public acknowledgment of classified activities. Presidents typically do not discuss intelligence operations, and the revelation added to concerns in Caracas about U.S. intentions toward the Maduro government.

Venezuela sits atop the world’s largest proven oil reserves and has been wracked by economic crisis and political turmoil for years. International sanctions and declining oil production have devastated the economy, leading to mass migration and humanitarian challenges.

The United States and dozens of other countries recognize opposition leader Juan Guaido as Venezuela’s legitimate president following disputed elections in 2018, though Maduro retains control of state institutions and the military.

Trump’s comments about Machado, the Nobel Peace Prize winner, highlighted the complex dynamics of Venezuelan opposition politics. Machado has been barred from holding office by Maduro’s government but remains a prominent voice for democratic change in Venezuela.

Bolton pleads not guilty in Justice Department case accusing him of sharing government secrets

By
admin
-
0

Maryland (BN24) – Former National Security Adviser John Bolton pleaded not guilty Friday to federal charges alleging he mishandled and shared classified information with family members and kept top secret documents at his Maryland home, in a case that has intensified scrutiny of the Trump administration’s use of law enforcement powers against political critics.

Bolton, 76, appeared before a judge and was released from custody after entering his plea. The indictment marks the third Justice Department prosecution in recent weeks involving a prominent critic of President Donald Trump. Bolton has called the case a politically motivated attempt to silence opponents, accusing Trump of trying to “intimidate his adversaries.”

Despite those claims, prosecutors say the investigation into Bolton began well before Trump returned to the White House in January and followed a conventional path to indictment. The charges were brought by career national security prosecutors, unlike earlier politically contentious cases against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James.

According to the indictment, Bolton shared more than 1,000 pages of notes containing classified material with his wife and daughter, including sensitive information from intelligence briefings and meetings with foreign leaders. Authorities say hackers believed to be linked to Iran later breached his personal email account, exposing the classified information he had sent to his relatives.

Prosecutors also allege that Bolton stored highly sensitive documents at his home, including intelligence on a foreign adversary’s attack plans against U.S. forces and details of covert operations. Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized the gravity of the allegations, saying in a statement, “Anyone who abuses a position of power and jeopardizes our national security will be held accountable. No one is above the law.”

Bolton, a longtime Republican foreign policy figure known for his hawkish views, served as national security adviser for more than a year before Trump fired him in 2019. He later published a scathing memoir, The Room Where It Happened, which portrayed Trump as dangerously uninformed on foreign policy.

Bolton’s legal team argues the case stems from personal diaries spanning his 45-year government career. Attorney Abbe Lowell said the shared material was either unclassified or previously reviewed by the White House National Security Council and cleared of classified content. “Like many public officials throughout history, Bolton kept diaries — that is not a crime,” Lowell said.

The Justice Department has a long history of classified document mishandling cases involving public officials. In some instances, charges have been influenced by whether investigators could prove willful misconduct or obstruction.

The indictment against Bolton comes amid lingering controversies over other high-profile classified document cases. Special Counsel Jack Smith dropped the Mar-a-Lago classified documents case against Trump after his return to office. Prosecutors also declined to charge President Joe Biden despite evidence he had willfully retained classified material, citing his age and perceived demeanor. Hillary Clinton faced a similar inquiry in 2016 but was not charged after investigators concluded she did not intentionally break the law.

Bolton’s case bears some similarities to that of former CIA Director David Petraeus, who admitted in 2015 to sharing classified information with his biographer and received probation under a plea deal.

Trump commutes former Rep. George Santos’ prison sentence

By
admin
-
0

Washington (BN24) – President Donald Trump announced Friday that he has commuted the prison sentence of former Rep. George Santos, R-N.Y., ordering his immediate release less than three months after he began serving time for wire fraud and identity theft.

Trump said on Truth Social that Santos had endured “long stretches of solitary confinement” and “horrible mistreatment” while incarcerated. “Therefore, I just signed a commutation, releasing George Santos from prison, IMMEDIATELY. Good luck George, have a great life!” Trump wrote.

Santos had been sentenced in April to more than seven years in prison after pleading guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. Prosecutors said he ran a yearslong scheme exploiting campaign finance rules, political donors, and even his own family to enrich himself.

Santos’ attorney said his client was “appreciative” of Trump’s decision, describing the sentence as “draconian.” He confirmed that Santos’ husband was picking him up from the federal prison in Fairton, New Jersey.

White House officials said Trump made the decision earlier this week after receiving “overwhelming” appeals. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., had publicly pushed for clemency, calling Santos’ punishment excessive and questioning his treatment in solitary confinement.

“George Santos never raped anybody, never murdered anybody, is not a child sex-trafficker. Why is he in solitary confinement?” Greene said in a recent interview, arguing his sentence was too harsh.

Santos’ swift release marks a sharp turn in a scandal-ridden political career. He was elected to Congress in 2022 but soon faced scrutiny after news reports revealed he fabricated large parts of his biography. By May 2023, he was indicted on multiple federal charges including wire fraud and money laundering. A House Ethics Committee report later found “substantial evidence” of criminal conduct, including the misuse of campaign funds.

Santos was expelled from the House in December 2023 after less than a year in office, becoming one of the few lawmakers in U.S. history to be ousted without a criminal conviction at the time.

Trump has leaned heavily on his clemency powers during his second term, issuing pardons and commutations to thousands, including hundreds charged in connection with the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot.

The commutation drew swift criticism from both parties. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., dismissed Trump’s remarks about him as “fabricated nonsense” and said there was “no excuse” for commuting Santos’ sentence.

Rep. Andrew Garbarino, R-N.Y., a member of the House Ethics Committee, said that Santos serving only a few months was “not justice.” Rep. Nick LaLota, R-N.Y., added that Santos “stole millions, defrauded an election,” and should spend more time behind bars.

Prince Andrew gives up his Duke of York title as Epstein allegations refuse to fade

By
admin
-
0

Prince Andrew announced Friday he is relinquishing his title as Duke of York and other royal honors, as renewed attention on his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein continues to overshadow the British monarchy.

Prince Andrew and his brother, King Charles 111

Andrew, the 65-year-old younger brother of King Charles III, issued a statement through Buckingham Palace acknowledging that the ongoing accusations against him were a distraction.

“With His Majesty’s agreement, we feel I must now go a step further. I will therefore no longer use my title or the honours which have been conferred upon me,” Andrew said. “As I have said previously, I vigorously deny the accusations against me.”

The decision marks the latest and most symbolic step in Andrew’s fall from public grace. He had already stepped down from royal duties in 2019 following scrutiny of his ties to Epstein, despite denying any wrongdoing.

The renewed spotlight comes after excerpts from a forthcoming posthumous memoir by Virginia Roberts Giuffre were released this week. Giuffre, who alleged that Epstein trafficked her and that she had sex with Andrew when she was 17, died by suicide in April at 41. Her memoir, due out Tuesday, includes detailed allegations about her encounters with the prince.

Andrew has denied Giuffre’s claims, saying he does not recall meeting her. Giuffre sued Andrew in 2021, and the case was settled in 2022 for an undisclosed sum. Court documents stated that Andrew acknowledged Epstein was a sex trafficker and that Giuffre was “an established victim of abuse.”

Andrew’s efforts to counter the allegations famously unraveled during a November 2019 BBC interview. Attempting to rebut Giuffre’s claims, Andrew offered explanations that were widely mocked, including saying he was medically incapable of sweating to refute her recollections of dancing. His lack of empathy toward Epstein’s victims further damaged his reputation.

Within days of the interview, Andrew stepped down from public life. The decision to give up his title represents a final break with his formal royal status, underscoring the enduring impact of the Epstein scandal on the British monarchy.

US Embassy issues security alert ahead of FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest in Abuja

By
Simeon Bateren
-
0

ABUJA, Nigeria (BN24) — The United States Embassy in Abuja has issued a security warning to American citizens in the Nigerian capital ahead of a planned protest scheduled for Monday, October 20. The demonstration, organized under the hashtag #FreeNnamdiKanuNow, is expected to bring large crowds to Eagle Square and the Central Business District, potentially leading to disruptions.

The protest was announced by activist and former African Action Congress presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore on October 9 via his X (formerly Twitter) account. Sowore described the planned march as a “historic” and peaceful demonstration aimed at securing the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who has been in custody since June 2021 following his extradition from Kenya and is currently facing terrorism charges at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

“We now have a date for the historic #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest march to the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja. It is October 20 at 7 am,” Sowore stated.

In a statement posted on its website on Friday, the US Embassy cautioned that while the protest organizers have called for peaceful demonstrations, the event may nonetheless lead to traffic congestion, roadblocks, and confrontations between security forces and protestors that could escalate into violence.

“The US Embassy in Abuja informs US citizens that the Free Nnamdi Kanu Now protest has called for peaceful demonstrations on Monday, October 20th, 2025, in Abuja. There may be roadblocks, traffic congestion, and confrontations between police and protestors that could turn violent around Eagle Square and the Central Business District,” the advisory read.

The Embassy urged American citizens to avoid the protest areas and limit movement throughout Abuja on the day of the demonstration. It also recommended that children stay home from school and that domestic workers commuting from outside the city refrain from reporting to work to minimize exposure to potential unrest.

“Children in Abuja should stay home from school, and domestic staff who travel from outside of Abuja should also stay home,” the Embassy advised.

The Embassy further urged US nationals to exercise caution, avoid crowds, and remain vigilant if unexpectedly caught near large gatherings or protests. It reminded Americans to monitor local news outlets, maintain a low profile, and be particularly alert in public venues such as shopping centers, movie theaters, and places of worship.

“Review your personal security plans and keep your cell phone charged in case of emergency,” the statement added.

The US Embassy’s alert comes amid heightened tensions in Nigeria as the government continues to prosecute Nnamdi Kanu, a controversial figure whose detention has fueled protests and unrest in parts of the country. Authorities have maintained a heavy security presence in Abuja and other major cities ahead of the planned march.

American citizens in Nigeria are advised to heed the Embassy’s warnings and take all necessary precautions to ensure their safety.



1 dead, dozens injured as Peru’s new president faces widespread protests

By
admin
-
0

At least one person was killed and dozens of police officers were injured overnight in Peru as widespread protests erupted against President Jose Jeri, who took office just days ago. The unrest, which swept through Lima and several other cities, marks the first major test of Jeri’s leadership amid rising public anger over corruption and crime.

The state ombudsman’s office confirmed Thursday that a 32-year-old man, Eduardo Mauricio Ruiz, was killed during Wednesday night’s demonstrations. Prosecutors said Ruiz died after being shot. Peru’s national police chief, Oscar Arriola, told reporters that officer Luis Magallanes, who had been physically assaulted during the protest, carried out the shooting. Magallanes is hospitalized and has been relieved of duty pending investigation.

Prime Minister Ernesto Alvarez announced that the government will declare a state of emergency in Lima within hours and is preparing a set of measures to address the growing security crisis.

The protests were called by young Gen Z demonstrators, transport workers and civil groups, and followed the dramatic midnight ouster of former President Dina Boluarte last Thursday. Thousands of protesters gathered across the country, with hundreds converging on Congress in Lima. Police fired tear gas while protesters hurled rocks, fireworks and burning objects.

Chanting “Everyone must go!” demonstrators tried to tear down metal barriers surrounding Congress, leading to clashes with security forces. Ruiz’s death will be investigated by the prosecutor’s office, while the Ombudsman’s office has called for accountability.

President Jeri expressed regret on X over Ruiz’s death, promising an “objective” investigation and blaming the violence on “delinquents who infiltrated a peaceful demonstration to sow chaos.”

After a meeting at Congress on Thursday, Jeri told reporters he would seek authority to legislate on public safety, with a focus on prison reform. Later in the day, Interior Minister Vicente Tiburcio announced plans for comprehensive reform of the national police, reporting that 89 officers and 22 civilians were injured during the protests and 11 people were detained.

Wednesday night’s unrest is a crucial bellwether for Jeri’s presidency, which will run until scheduled elections next July. At 38, Jeri has pledged to make fighting crime his top priority but is also facing scandals of his own, including corruption allegations and a now-shelved sexual assault investigation. He has denied wrongdoing and pledged to cooperate with any probe.

Boluarte, his predecessor, saw her popularity plummet to between 2% and 4% amid deadly protests during her tenure. Congress, which Jeri previously led, remains equally unpopular, with approval ratings in the single digits.

1...180181182...996Page 181 of 996