Lima, Peru – Interim President José Jerí Oré announced the
declaration of a state of emergency in the city of Lima and the port of Callao
for an initial period of 30 days, in response to the alarming increase in crime
and acts of violence reported in recent weeks in various areas of the capital.
During a televised address broadcast on social media, Jerí
Oré acknowledged that citizen insecurity has become one of the country's main
problems, affecting coexistence, the economy, and public confidence.
"Crime has grown disproportionately, and it is our duty to act firmly to
restore peace and tranquility to the streets," the president stated.
The measure involves the temporary restriction of certain
constitutional rights, including freedom of assembly and movement, in order to
allow for greater involvement of law enforcement in security operations, arms
control, the arrest of suspects, and the dismantling of criminal gangs. The
government announced that both the Peruvian National Police and the Armed
Forces will work together to strengthen surveillance and patrols in the areas
most affected by crime.
The state of emergency also seeks to respond to the wave of
robberies, extortions, homicides, and kidnappings that have generated a climate
of fear in neighborhoods of Lima and Callao, particularly in districts with
high population density and commercial activity.
Civil organizations and business associations have expressed
support for the decision, although they have also requested that the
exceptional measures be accompanied by sustainable policies for social
prevention, employment, and education, in order to prevent military-police
intervention from leading to abuses or human rights violations.
The government announced that, at the end of the 30-day
period, the effectiveness of the measure will be evaluated and did not rule out
expanding it to other regions of the country, depending on the results obtained
in terms of public safety.