Peru's Gen Z Leads Protests Against Crime and Political Chaos

Peru’s Generation Z is taking to the streets to protest rampant crime and years of political deadlock, demanding systemic change after watching seven presidents come and go in a single decade.

Peruvian politics has long been turbulent. The country has faced near-constant crises, corruption scandals, rising living costs, and deadly protests. Presidents have been impeached, charged, or forced from office — and a special jail still houses three former leaders.

Now, a new generation of Peruvians, born after Alberto Fujimori’s dictatorship ended in 2000, is leading the call for change.

In recent days, thousands of young people have filled Lima’s streets. Organizing through social media, they wave Japanese manga One Piece pirate flags while voicing demands, much like youth activists in Indonesia, Nepal, and Madagascar.

Anger boiled over on 15 October when clashes with police left one person dead and around 100 injured.

“This is about fighting for a future,” said 19-year-old student Angelo Nael Genti, who was hospitalized after being struck by a pellet during the crackdown. Most demonstrators are under 28 and come from poor neighbourhoods.

“They threatened me. They said if I wasn’t arrested, they would have killed me,” Genti said, showing bruises and head injuries. He recalled first being hit on his leg before falling to the ground and being beaten by several police officers.

Videos of police aggression went viral, amplifying outrage. Despite the fear, Genti vows to keep protesting: “We want to preserve this idea of struggle for the next generations.” His mother calls him a hero for standing up for Peruvians’ rights.

The protests have no single leader but share common goals: an end to corruption, better security, and job opportunities in a country where informal work is widespread.

“Generation Z is more of a cliché,” said 26-year-old law graduate Rosalinda. “I consider myself part of the working people.” She joined marches and helped young detainees after police arrested about 20 protesters, all later released.

20-year-old cricket player Wildalr Lozano also joined, saying he felt “unprotected” and disconnected from the government.

For many protesters, the One Piece flag symbolizes unity against corrupt regimes. The globally popular manga series tells the story of pirates challenging an authoritarian government, echoing the activists’ struggle for justice in Peru.