Lima, Peru – The Peruvian government declares a 30-day state of emergency in Lima to combat escalating violence and crime. The emergency measures, which took effect on Tuesday, grant security forces broader powers, including restricting freedom of assembly and movement and allowing police and the military to detain individuals without a judicial order.
The decision comes as Peru faces a surge in killings, extortion, and attacks on public places. Authorities reported 459 homicides between January 1 and March 16, alongside 1,909 extortion cases in January alone. Public outrage intensified following the recent murder of Paul Flores, the lead singer of the popular cumbia band Armonia 10.
In response, 1,000 soldiers were deployed in Lima on Monday to assist the police in patrolling key locations, including train and bus stations. National Police Director Victor Sanabria announced increased security measures at transit hubs, where thousands of residents commute daily.
Despite these actions, many Lima residents remain fearful, citing a lack of visible security. Pedro Quispe, a commuter, expressed frustration: “We’ve been abandoned and left to fend for ourselves. If you get on a bus, you can get shot. If you go to work, you risk being extorted.”
Meanwhile, Peru’s Interior Minister, Juan José Santiváñez, faces mounting pressure, with opposition lawmakers calling for a vote of no confidence, accusing him of failing to address the country’s growing security crisis. Congress is set to discuss the motion later this week.
The emergency declaration underscores the government’s struggle to restore public safety as violence continues to grip the nation’s capital.
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