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Residents of the Peruvian capital saw more soldiers and police patrolling the streets on Wednesday, the first day of a state of emergency declared by newly sworn-in President Jose Jerry in an effort to curb crime.
The sweeping decree suspended many constitutional rights – including freedom of assembly and protest – while banning everyday activities such as two adults riding on a motorcycle. It also limited visits to prisoners and allowed power cuts to prison cells except for lighting.
Jerry assumed the presidency on October 10 after lawmakers ousted then-President Dina Boluat from office due to her inability to curb rising crime in the South American country. He declared a state of emergency a week after a mass protest demanding his resignation turned violent, leaving one protester dead and another civilian with a serious skull fracture by police.
However, Peruvians expressed skepticism of Jerry’s orders as similar measures implemented by Boluatre proved ineffective.
“There are already several states of emergency, extortion continues, the killings are not stopping,” Manuel Timoteo said while waiting for a bus in the north. Lima“Soldiers go out for a few days, put their rifles and stand on a corner, go away and everything remains the same.”
Bouluart’s government declared a state of emergency in March, which was extended until May. The measure was strongly criticized for its ineffectiveness in dealing with criminal groups who extort small businesses and murder public transport workers – sometimes even in front of passengers.
Peru has seen an increase in crime rates in recent years. According to government data, murder cases rose from 676 cases in 2017 to 2,082 in 2024, while extortion complaints increased from 2,305 in 2020 to 21,746 last year. Most of the victims are working class people.
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