Peru Declares State of Emergency in Lima Amid Rising Violence

The President of Peru, Jhosep Heri, has declared a state of emergency in Lima for a duration of 30 days in response to a surge in violence affecting the nation. The government announced this measure today, citing the need to curb escalating social unrest linked to increasing criminal activity. In a televised address, Heri indicated that the state of emergency may involve deploying military forces to support the police, along with imposing restrictions on certain constitutional rights, including freedom of assembly and movement.

In his remarks, Heri emphasized, “Wars are won by deeds, not words,” signaling a shift in the government’s strategy from a defensive posture to an offensive approach against organized crime. The urgency for these measures comes in the wake of alarming statistics; from the beginning of the year until the end of September, Peru experienced 1,690 homicides, a significant rise from 1,502 in the same period of 2022, according to police data.

The decision follows the ousting of former President Dina Boluarte on October 10, 2023, during a congressional impeachment process that criticized her handling of rising crime rates. Heri, who was serving as president of the Congress at that time, immediately assumed the presidency.

Demonstrations in the country have escalated into violence, resulting in the death of one civilian and injuries to approximately 100 individuals, including numerous police officers and journalists. Despite the unrest, Heri has stated that he does not intend to resign from his position.

Protests have been ongoing for over a month, initially driven by demands for increased wages and better pensions for the youth. Over time, the grievances have expanded to cover broader issues such as anti-corruption efforts, rising crime rates, and dissatisfaction with the political elite.

As the situation continues to unfold, the government faces a critical challenge in restoring order while addressing the root causes of public discontent. The measures taken under the state of emergency will be closely monitored, as citizens and international observers alike watch how the administration navigates this complex crisis.