Peru Declares State of Emergency Amid Rising Unrest and Criminal Activity

Peru’s Interim President Jose Jeri has declared a state of emergency in the capital city, Lima, as the government faces escalating protests that have been influenced by the public’s frustration over crime and corruption. This decisive measure, announced during a recent televised address, will remain in effect for 30 days as authorities work to address the growing challenges facing the nation.

In his statement, Jeri emphasized that “wars are won with actions, not words,” and outlined plans for a proactive approach to combatting crime. He articulated a shift in strategy towards a more offensive stance in dealing with the wave of extortion that has gripped the city. Under the declared state of emergency, authorities are authorized to deploy military forces to patrol the streets, necessitating a temporary suspension of certain constitutional rights, including the right to protest.

The urgency of this situation arises from a concerning increase in extortion cases, which have surged by approximately 30% compared to the previous year. As reported by the authorities, extortion incidents are expected to reach around 18,000 this year, and this rising trend has contributed to a corresponding uptick in severe violence. Between January and September, Peru witnessed a recorded 1,690 homicides, marking an increase from 1,502 during the same period in 2024.

The backdrop to this unrest includes the recent impeachment of former President Dina Boluarte, who was removed from office on October 10 by a congressional vote. Lawmakers expressed dissatisfaction with her inability to effectively combat the escalating crime rates. Jeri, who previously served as the speaker of parliament, has taken over the presidency and will serve in this interim role until July of the following year.

Protests, largely driven by younger generations advocating for governmental accountability, have become increasingly intense. Just a few days prior to Jeri’s announcement, demonstrations demanding his resignation turned violent, leading to one fatality and injuring approximately 100 individuals, including police personnel and journalists.

Previous measures, such as a similar 30-day state of emergency declared by Boluarte in March following the tragic murder of a prominent musician, have yet to yield substantial improvements in public safety. The incident highlighted the grim reality of crime in Peru, as the singer was targeted during an apparent extortion attempt. As the interim government grapples with this complex situation, citizens are keenly observing the administration’s response to restore security and stability in their communities.

The political landscape in Peru remains tense as the government responds to a country seeking effective solutions to its challenges.

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