Peru’s new President José Jerí on Tuesday announced a 30-day state of emergency across Lima as authorities struggle to contain a worsening wave of violence that has triggered protests and deepened political turmoil.
The country has witnessed a sharp increase in killings, violent extortion, and attacks on public spaces in recent years. Police data show 1,690 homicides recorded between January and September, compared to 1,502 in the same period last year.
Jerí, who assumed office after former President Dina Boluarte was removed by Congress on 10 October for failing to stem the crime crisis, said in a televised speech that the emergency order would remain effective for a month.
He also mentioned that the government might deploy the military alongside police and temporarily suspend rights such as free movement and public assembly. “Wars are won with actions, not words,” he said, calling the plan a move “from defense to offense” against criminal networks.
The announcement followed large demonstrations in Lima, mostly led by young activists denouncing corruption and insecurity. Protesters demanded Jerí’s resignation, sparking violent confrontations that left one person dead and around 100 injured, including officers and journalists. The president said he would not resign.
Boluarte had introduced a similar 30-day emergency in March, though it failed to bring down the crime rate.
