Peru has declared a state of emergency in its capital, Lima, following a surge in violence and criminal activities. The decree, issued late on Monday by the government of President Dina Boluarte, will deploy military and police forces on the streets for the next 30 days. The move grants the police and military expanded powers, allowing them to detain individuals with limited restrictions, as authorities aim to address the escalating crime wave.
The state of emergency comes in response to a recent spate of violence, including the tragic death of popular cumbia singer Paul Flores, who was killed during an apparent extortion attempt on a bus he was traveling on. The attack, along with a recent explosion at a restaurant that injured at least 11 people, has sparked widespread public outrage.
In recent months, Peru has seen an alarming rise in violent crimes, including killings, extortion, and attacks on businesses and public spaces. Police statistics reveal 459 killings from January to mid-March and a record 1,909 extortion cases reported in January alone. The increasing violence, blamed largely on criminal gangs, has pushed Boluarte to declare the state of emergency, marking the second such declaration in recent months (the first was between September and December 2024).
The decree has stirred political tension, with opposition lawmakers criticizing Minister of the Interior Juan Jose Santivanez for not presenting a clear strategy to combat the crime surge. They are calling for a vote of no confidence against Santivanez, which is expected to be discussed later this week in the country’s Congress.
President Boluarte has also expressed her support for stronger punitive measures, advocating for the death penalty for murderers, though Peru only allows execution for convicted traitors. The move to declare a state of emergency will restrict certain rights, such as the freedom of assembly and movement, while enabling security forces to detain suspects without judicial orders.
In light of the rising violence, many Peruvians are calling for stronger measures to restore order and safety to the streets of Lima and other affected areas.
