Peru has declared a 30-day state of emergency in Lima following a surge in violence, particularly after the murder of a popular singer. Troops have been deployed to assist police, leading to restricted civil liberties. Congress is set to discuss a no-confidence vote against the Interior Minister for his perceived inaction on rising crime.
The president of Peru has declared a state of emergency in Lima, implementing a 30-day measure to combat escalating violence. This decree facilitates the deployment of military troops alongside police forces to help manage rising crime rates. Notably, certain civil liberties, such as the freedom to assemble and move freely, will be temporarily restricted, allowing for detentions without judicial approval.
The past several months have witnessed a troubling spike in violent crime, including homicides and extortion incidents. Police reported 459 killings and notably, 1,909 cases of extortion filed in January alone. Public outrage surged following the murder of popular cumbia artist Paul Flores, who was killed during an assault on his tour bus after a performance in Lima.
In response to the situation, opposition members in Congress are pushing for a vote of no confidence against Interior Minister Juan José Santiváñez, who they accuse of failing to adequately address the violence. This vote is anticipated to be discussed in the upcoming plenary session of Congress.
Additionally, the emergency declaration follows other violent incidents, most notably a bombing at a restaurant in Lima that injured at least 11 individuals. Previous emergency declarations by Boluarte’s administration were made from September through December for similar reasons.
In summary, Peru is currently grappling with a serious surge in violence, prompting the government to declare a state of emergency in the capital. This action, driven by the recent murder of a well-known singer, aims to limit civil liberties while deploying military assistance alongside police forces. Amidst growing public outcry, government officials and opposition members are engaging in dialogues regarding accountability and effective strategies to address the crime wave.
Original Source: www.newsday.com
