Peru declares state of emergency due to rising violence

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The Peruvian government has taken drastic measures in response to the growing problem of violence in Lima. On Monday, President Dina Boluarte announced a state of emergency in the capital and the neighboring province of Callao, ordering the deployment of the army to assist the police amid outrage following the murder of a popular singer.

An Urgent Response to the Security Crisis

Peru is facing a wave of violence that has put both authorities and the population on alert. With a notable increase in cases, the government has decided to take firm measures by declaring a state of emergency in Metropolitan Lima and Callao. This measure, which includes a military presence on the streets, aims to restore order and guarantee the safety of citizens at a critical time for the country.

What Does the State of Emergency in Lima Mean?

The presidential decree, published on March 17, 2025 in the official gazette The Peruvian, establishes that the state of emergency will last 30 days. During this period, certain fundamental rights, such as freedom of assembly and movement, will be restricted. Furthermore, police and military forces will have the authority to detain individuals without a warrant, an action intended to stem the escalating violence affecting the Peruvian capital.

This decision comes after months of rising crime rates. According to police data, 459 homicides were recorded between January and mid-March 2025, while 1,909 cases of extortion were reported in January alone. These alarming figures have led the government to deploy the army to support the National Police.

The Murder of Paul Flores

The turning point occurred on Sunday, March 16, when Paul Flores, lead singer of the cumbia group Armonía 10, was shot dead in an attack on the bus she was traveling on after a concert in Lima. At 39, Flores was a beloved figure on the Peruvian music scene, and her death sparked a wave of outrage across the country. This crime was not an isolated incident: the previous Saturday, an explosion at a restaurant in the capital left at least 11 people injured, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.

Political and Social Reactions

The political response was swift. In Congress, opposition legislators have called for a vote of no confidence against the Minister of the Interior. Juan José Santiváñez, arguing that he has not presented an effective plan to combat violence. This debate is scheduled for the coming days, adding pressure to the Boluarte government, which had already implemented a state of emergency between September and December of last year without achieving sustainable results.

A Call to Unity and Reflection

The state of emergency in Lima highlights the urgency of addressing the insecurity affecting millions of Peruvians. While military deployment may be a temporary solution, it remains to be seen whether the government will be able to implement long-term strategies to combat organized crime and urban violence.

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Fountain: Associated Press