Peru Declares State of Emergency in Lima Following Weeks of Anti-Corruption and Crime Protests

In Peru, protests against corruption and organized crime have resulted in over 200 injuries during the past month, marking a significant civil unrest.

Peru's interim president Jose Jeri declared a state of emergency for Lima and the adjacent port of Callao on Tuesday, responding to weeks of anti-government demonstrations focused on corruption and organized crime issues.

During a televised national address on state television, Jeri announced, "The state of emergency approved by the Council of Ministers will take effect at midnight on Wednesday and will last for 30 days in Metropolitan Lima and Callao."

Under this emergency declaration, the government gains authority to deploy military forces for street patrol and can impose restrictions on freedom of assembly and other constitutional rights.

This represents Jeri's first major policy action since assuming office nearly two weeks ago to address Peru's escalating crime crisis.

The South American nation has experienced continuous protests for weeks, culminating earlier this month when lawmakers voted to impeach president Dina Boluarte, who faced accusations of corruption and criticism for failing to control rising crime rates.

In his address, Jeri stated, "Crime has increased disproportionately in recent years, causing immense pain to thousands of families and further hindering the country's progress. But that's over. Today, we begin to change the narrative of insecurity in Peru."

He further emphasized, "We are moving from the defensive to the offensive in the fight against crime, a fight that will allow us to regain peace, tranquility, and the trust of millions of Peruvians."

Lima had previously been under partial state of emergency between March and July following the murder of a prominent musician, an incident attributed to organized crime activities.

Youth-led demonstrations have mobilized thousands of frustrated Peruvians to protest in Lima and several other cities against authorities' failure to address the worsening crime situation.

The ongoing protests have resulted in more than 200 injuries over the past month, including police officers, protesters, journalists, and one fatality when a man was shot dead by police forces.

Peru's security crisis has particularly impacted the transportation sector, with at least 47 bus drivers killed this year in suspected extortion-related attacks, which ultimately led to Boluarte's dismissal on October 10.

Parliament Speaker Jeri will serve as interim president until July 2026.

Peru's political landscape has been highly unstable, with seven different governments over the past decade, including the administration that replaced Dina Boluarte.