Politics State of emergency declared for Peru's capital
Following ongoing protests against the government, Peru's interim president José Jerí has declared a state of emergency for the capital region of Lima and the neighboring port city of El Callao. The measure will initially apply for 30 days from today, Wednesday, he said in a televised address. "In the fight against crime, we are moving from the defensive to the offensive," he said, adding: "Wars are won with deeds, not words."
22.10.2025, 07:57
SDA
The state of emergency suspends fundamental rights such as freedom of assembly and the inviolability of the home, according to the decree passed by the government and published in the official gazette "El Peruano". Visits to prisons are also to be restricted. The military is to support the police in ensuring security. Around ten million people live in Lima's metropolitan region and around 1.2 million in El Callao.
Political turmoil for months
The South American Andean country with around 34 million inhabitants has been in political turmoil for months. Just under two weeks ago, Jerí's predecessor Dina Boluarte was dismissed for "moral incompetence" after she was criticized for the massive use of police force and the display of expensive watches.
Her departure after almost three years as president was preceded by fierce protests in which the younger generation in particular made clear their displeasure at violence and corruption, among other things. Dozens of police officers were recently injured during the protests in Lima and one demonstrator was killed by gunfire.
