In a strong response to rising violence and public unrest, Peru’s interim President José Jerí declared a 30-day state of emergency in the capital city, Lima, and the neighbouring province of Callao. The declaration, effective from midnight on October 22, 2025, allows the deployment of armed forces alongside police to help maintain order.
The decision follows a wave of violent protests that resulted in one death and over 100 injuries. Jerí emphasized a shift from a defensive to an offensive approach in tackling crime, aiming to regain peace and public trust.
This is the first major action taken by President Jerí ever since he took charge on October 10, following the impeachment of former President Dina Boluarte. The state of emergency grants authorities the power to restrict civil liberties, including freedom of movement and assembly, to facilitate law enforcement operations.
This year, Peru has been grappling with a surge in violent crime, including homicides, extortion, and public attacks. From January to September 2025, the country reported 1,690 homicides, up from 1,502 during the same period in 2024. The transportation sector has been particularly affected, with at least 47 bus drivers killed this year in suspected extortion-related attacks.
The state of emergency is seen as a critical step in addressing the country’s security crisis and restoring public confidence in the government’s ability to maintain order.
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