On April 22, 2026, the Peruvian National Police deployed tear gas against students from the Universidad Nacional de San Antonio Abad del Cusco (UNSAAC) during a demonstration opposing public transportation fare increases.

The students staged a peaceful sit-in on the UNSAAC campus, arguing that rising transit costs threatened their access to education. Protesters demanded that local authorities properly oversee urban transportation services and enforce student fare discounts. Following the sit-in, students gathered on the Avenida de la Cultura outside the university. According to witnesses and local media reports, officers used tear gas to disperse the crowd after the mobilization disrupted traffic.

Scholars at Risk is concerned about the use of force during a student protest. While state authorities have the responsibility to maintain order and prevent disruption, they must refrain from the disproportionate use of force and endangerment of civilians and must respect the right to freedom of association and freedom of expression. Students and members of the public must refrain from violence, especially on campus, and also respect the right to freedom of association and freedom of expression. Such actions, beyond harming the immediate victims, have a chilling effect on academic freedom.

Sources:
https://larepublica.pe/sociedad/2026/04/22/pnp-lanza-bombas-lacrimogenas-a-estudiantes-de-la-unsaac-durante-marcha-por-el-medio-pasaje-en-cusco-430738
https://www.infobae.com/video/actualidad/policia-desalojo-con-gases-lacrimogenos-a-estudiantes-de-la-unsaac-en-cusco-durante-protesta-por-alza-de-pasajes-urbanos/6IzyEff0/
https://elbuho.pe/2026/04/cusco-universitarios-toman-las-calles-por-el-alza-del-pasaje-video/