Peru declares state of emergency as violent crimewave engulfs Lima

In response to a wave of violence and criminal activity, Peru has declared a state of emergency in the capital.

Late on Monday, the government under the leadership of President Dina Boluarte issued the decree directing the deployment of troops to Lima’s streets. The decision was prompted by the tragic death of a well-known singer in a criminal attack, which will grant police and the military the authority to detain people without any restrictions and for 30 days.

Even though authorities have cited recent gang arrests, the clampdown comes after weeks of more violent incidents involving criminal organizations that frequently target businesses, including those in transportation.

A well-known cumbia singer named Paul Flores passed away on Sunday as a result of an assault by assailants on a bus he was riding on in an ostensible attempt to extort the driver.

The shooting sparked outcry in the media after an explosion at a restaurant that left at least 11 people injured.

Crimewave

In recent months, there have been more murders, violent extortions, and attacks on public spaces in Peru. Between January 1 and March 16, police reported 459 killings and 1,909 extortion reports, all in January.

Boluarte declared that she would like to see murderers receive the death penalty as a result of the crime wave. Only convicted traitors can be executed in Peru.

Interior Minister Juan Jose Santivanez is being sued by opposition lawmakers for allegedly lacking a strategy to deal with the violence.

Later this week, the Congress’s plenary is scheduled to discuss the vote.

When criminal activity or social unrest has increased in recent years, Peruvian authorities have a number of emergency declarations.