• Peru’s interim president declares a 30-day state of emergency in Lima and Callao.
• The state of emergency permits military support for police operations and restricts civil liberties.
• This action follows weeks of protests and rising crime statistics, particularly extortion-related violence.

Peru’s Interim President Jose Jeri announced a 30-day state of emergency in Lima and the neighboring province of Callao to address soaring crime rates, particularly extortion and violent crimes. This declaration follows intense protests, which led to injuries and one death, as citizens demanded effective action against criminal activity, according to Reuters, India Times, and Al Jazeera.

Jeri stated that this emergency measure would allow the armed forces to assist police in restoring peace and security. “We are moving from defense to offense in the fight against crime,” he asserted in a televised speech, highlighting the government's dedication to regaining public trust amidst escalating crime challenges, according to South China Morning Post and Anadolu Agency.

The declaration enables military patrols in the region, lifting significant constitutional rights, including the right to assemble, thereby raising concerns about potential governmental overreach during a time of unrest. Over recent weeks, protests have highlighted public discontent regarding crime rates, with reports indicating a staggering increase in knife-related homicides and extortions, according to Reuters and South China Morning Post.

This is not the first such measure in recent years; previous declarations have had limited effectiveness in curbing crime, prompting criticism of governmental strategies. Lima has experienced significant violence, with a rising number of deaths linked to gang-related activities and extortion, which reportedly accounted for many of the protest motivations, according to Al Jazeera and Anadolu Agency.