LIMA: Peru’s interim president Jose Jeri has declared a state of emergency in Lima and the neighbouring port of Callao following weeks of anti-government protests over corruption and organised crime.
The state of emergency approved by the Council of Ministers will take effect at midnight on Wednesday and last for 30 days in Metropolitan Lima and Callao.
Under this emergency measure, the government can deploy the army to patrol streets and restrict freedom of assembly along with other constitutional rights.
This represents the first major action by the interim president since he assumed office nearly two weeks ago to address the country’s spiralling crime crisis.
The South American nation has experienced weeks of protests, with lawmakers voting earlier this month to impeach president Dina Boluarte over her handling of crime and corruption allegations.
Crime has increased disproportionately in recent years, causing immense pain to thousands of families and further hindering the country’s progress.
We are moving from the defensive to the offensive in the fight against crime, a fight that will allow us to regain peace, tranquility, and the trust of millions of Peruvians.
Lima had previously been partially placed under a state of emergency between March and July following the murder of a famous musician attributed to organised crime.
Youth-led demonstrations have brought thousands of frustrated Peruvians onto the streets in Lima and several other cities protesting authorities’ failure to address the worsening crime crisis.
Over the past month, more than 200 people have been injured in the protests including police officers, protesters, and journalists while one man was shot dead by police.
The security crisis has particularly impacted Peru’s transportation sector with at least 47 bus drivers killed this year in suspected extortion-related attacks.
This security crisis ultimately triggered Boluarte’s dismissal by parliament on October 10.
Parliament Speaker Jeri will serve as interim president until July 2026 according to constitutional provisions.
Peru has experienced significant political instability with seven different governments over the past decade including the one that replaced Dina Boluarte. – AFP
