Peru has declared a 30-day state of emergency in Lima due to escalating violence, deploying soldiers to assist police. The decree allows for restrictions on rights and enables detentions without judicial orders. This action comes after a surge in killings and the murder of popular singer Paul Flores, sparking public outcry and political tension.
Peru’s President Dina Boluarte announced a 30-day state of emergency in Lima due to escalating violence, deploying the army alongside police to combat this surge. This decree allows authorities to restrict certain rights, such as freedom of assembly and movement, enabling detentions without a judicial order. Recent statistics highlight a troubling rise in violence, with 459 homicides reported from January 1 to March 16, alongside 1,909 extortion cases in January alone.
The outrage from the public intensified following the murder of Paul Flores, a beloved 39-year-old singer from the cumbia band Armonia 10, who was killed in an armed attack while traveling after a concert. This incident drew attention to the increasing violence, with various attacks on public spaces reported recently, including an explosion at a restaurant that injured 11 people.
In response to these violent events, opposition lawmakers are pushing for a vote of no confidence against Interior Minister Juan José Santiváñez, citing a lack of effective strategies to tackle the violence. The Congress is expected to debate this issue in its upcoming plenary session. This isn’t the first instance of emergency measures; Boluarte’s government had previously enacted a state of emergency between September and December to curb similar violence issues.
The declaration of a state of emergency in Lima reflects the urgent need to address rising violence in Peru. With a significant increase in homicides and violent crime, particularly after the shooting of a well-known singer, government action includes military support for police forces. Ongoing political tension, including calls for a no confidence vote against the Interior Minister, underscores the depth of public concern regarding safety in Peru.
Original Source: www.newsday.com
