The government of Peru has declared a state of emergency in Lima, following escalating gang violence and widespread unrest across the capital.
Ernesto Alvarez, head of the cabinet, announced the decision on Thursday, stating, “We are going to announce the decision to declare a state of emergency at least in Metropolitan Lima.”
The move comes after violent clashes erupted near the Congress building on Wednesday, where large crowds gathered to protest the growing insecurity and the government’s handling of the crisis. According to reports, hundreds of citizens were injured, and one person was killed after confrontations with police forces turned deadly.
Authorities said the state of emergency aims to restore order and allow security forces to take control of areas most affected by criminal activity and protests. Under the emergency order, certain constitutional rights such as freedom of assembly and movement may be temporarily restricted as the government seeks to stabilize the situation.
This marks one of the most severe public security crises Peru has faced in recent years, with gang-related violence and public anger both reaching alarming levels in Lima.
