March 18, 2025, Lima: Peru’s President, Dina Boluarte, has declared a 30-day state of emergency in the capital, Lima, and the neighboring port city of Callao, in response to a significant surge in violent crime. This measure, effective immediately, authorizes the deployment of armed forces to support police operations and imposes restrictions on certain civil liberties, including the freedoms of assembly and movement, allowing authorities to conduct searches and detain individuals without judicial warrants.
The ruling comes after the tragic murder of Paul Flores, the 39-year-old lead vocalist of the popular cumbia band Armonía 10. On Sunday morning, attackers ambushed the tour bus of the band as they were returning from a concert in Lima, killing Flores. The incident has fueled public indignation and brought attention to the rising violence in the country.
Over the past months, Peru witnessed a significant spike in violent crimes such as murders and extortion offenses. According to police records, between January 1 and March 16, 459 reported murders took place, and for January alone, 1,909 extortion cases were reported.
The increase in violence has also triggered political consequences. Opposition legislators have filed a motion of no confidence against Interior Minister Juan José Santiváñez, blaming the government’s alleged failure to come up with an effective plan to counter the increase in crime. The motion is to be debated in the congressional plenary session later this week.
The murder of Flores is not an isolated one. During the same weekend, an explosion at a Lima restaurant hurt at least 11 individuals, adding fuel to widespread public anxiety about security and safety.
This is the second time that the Peruvian government has employed such measures. Another state of emergency was instituted from September to December last year in an attempt to stem growing violence.
The imposition of the state of emergency reflects the immediate need for concerted interventions to curb the growing violence and re-establish public trust in safety and good governance.
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