Lima, Peru – The capital of Peru is facing a state of emergency as violence and criminal activities have surged, prompting the government led by President Dina Boluarte to deploy troops on the streets. This drastic move comes in response to the recent death of popular cumbia singer Paul Flores, who was killed in an extortion attack on a bus, sparking widespread public outrage.
The escalation of violence in Lima has been attributed to criminal groups targeting businesses, particularly transport companies. The government’s decision to grant police and military authorities the power to detain individuals with minimal restrictions for a period of 30 days aims to address the growing concerns of safety and security in the city.
The tragic shooting incident involving Flores and an explosion that injured multiple individuals at a restaurant have intensified calls for stricter measures to combat the rise in criminal activities in Peru. The wave of killings, violent extortion, and attacks on public spaces in recent months has prompted Boluarte to express her desire to see harsher penalties, including the death penalty for murderers.
Opposition lawmakers have raised concerns about the government’s response to the escalating violence, with Minister of the Interior Juan Jose Santivanez facing scrutiny for his perceived lack of a comprehensive plan to address the security crisis in the country. A vote of no confidence against Santivanez is expected to be raised in Congress later this week.
Peruvian authorities have historically declared states of emergency during periods of heightened criminal activity or social unrest, as seen in previous years. Under the current state of emergency, certain rights such as freedom of assembly and movement may be restricted, while law enforcement agencies are granted broader powers to detain individuals without requiring a judicial order.