Peru’s interim leader, Jose Jeri, declared a state of emergency in Lima and the nearby port of Callao on Tuesday following prolonged demonstrations against government handling of criminal activity and misconduct.
“The measure, approved by the council of ministers, will begin at midnight on Wednesday and remain in place for 30 days across metropolitan Lima and Callao,” Jeri stated in a televised national address.
The decree allows authorities to deploy military personnel for street patrols and impose restrictions on public gatherings and other civil liberties.
This marks the most significant step taken by the interim leader since assuming office nearly two weeks ago in response to escalating criminal activity.
Peru has faced widespread unrest for weeks, with lawmakers voting earlier this month to remove the elected leader, Dina Boluarte, who faced criticism over rising crime and allegations of misconduct.
“The surge in criminal activity in recent years has brought suffering to countless families and obstructed the nation’s advancement. But that ends now. Today, we start rewriting Peru’s story of instability,” Jeri said in his speech.
“We are shifting from defense to offense in tackling crime—a battle that will help restore safety, stability, and confidence for millions.”
Lima was previously under partial emergency measures between March and July after the killing of a well-known musician linked to organized crime.
Youth-driven protests have drawn thousands of Peruvians into the streets in Lima and other cities, fueled by dissatisfaction with the government’s inability to curb rising crime.
In the past month, over 200 individuals, including law enforcement, demonstrators, and journalists, have been injured in the unrest. One protester died from gunfire by police.
The unrest has severely affected Peru’s transportation sector, with at least 47 bus drivers killed this year in attacks allegedly tied to extortion. This security crisis led to Boluarte’s removal on 10 October.
Jeri, currently leading parliament, will hold the interim position until July 2026.
Peru has seen seven different administrations in the last ten years, including the one that succeeded Dina Boluarte.
Read next
Russian Assault on Buses Near Ukraine Border Results in 30 Deaths
Thirty people have been killed and eighteen injured following an attack by Russia on two passenger buses in Kramatorsk, near the frontline in eastern Ukraine, according to local authorities.
The Donetsk regional prosecutor's office reported that the death toll from the morning attack on the buses had reached
Ethiopia Conducts Drone Strike on Eritrean Forces in Tigray Region
Eritrean forces reportedly crossed into Ethiopia's Tigray region and faced drone attacks from Ethiopian government forces, raising concerns about the potential for a broader regional conflict between the two neighboring countries.
Military vehicles transporting soldiers crossed the southern border of Eritrea into Tigray on Wednesday, reaching Adigrat, approximately
Israel Advances Film Resembling NAZA Documentary
The Israeli government is promoting an online film project designed to counter the findings of the award-winning documentary NAZA, which details Israel’s mass killings of civilians in Gaza. NAZA, directed by Oscar-winning filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, is currently in cinemas and will be shown in