Peru Declares 30-Day State of Emergency in Lima Amid Rising Crime

Peruvian President José Jerí on Tuesday declared a 30-day state of emergency in the capital, Lima, and the neighboring province of Callao, saying the move was aimed at combating a surge in crime.

The announcement came just days after violent protests left one person dead and more than 100 injured.

Jerí said the measure — approved by the Council of Ministers and set to take effect just after midnight — authorizes the deployment of armed forces alongside police to maintain public order. He did not provide further details.

“We are shifting from defense to offense in the fight against crime — a fight that will help us restore peace, calm, and the trust of millions of Peruvians,” Jerí said in a televised address.

Jerí was sworn in earlier this month following the ouster of former President Dina Boluarte. Last week, he unveiled a new cabinet and pledged to make tackling crime his top priority.

The president also faced the first major demonstration organized by civil society groups and Generation Z youth activists, who demanded stronger action against rising crime.

This is not the first time Peru has resorted to emergency powers to address security concerns. Former President Boluarte imposed a similar 30-day state of emergency in March.

However, analysts and security experts note that repeated declarations of emergency have done little to curb crime, suggesting that deeper structural reforms may be needed to restore public safety.