Protests erupt in Peru over rising crime

Hundreds protested in Lima demanding safety amid a growing wave of crimes, murders, and extortions in Peru. Protesters said the Congress and President Dina Boluarte were not doing enough to combat the escalating insecurity plaguing the country.

The number of homicides in Peru has risen significantly, with a 35% increase in 2024 compared to the previous year. According to the national agency that tracks deaths, the country saw 2,059 homicides in 2024, up from 1,508 in 2023. This surge in violent crime has prompted citizens to call for enhanced security measures and more effective government action.

In response to the crisis, the Peruvian government has taken several steps, including declaring a 30-day state of emergency in Lima and the neighboring province of Callao. This measure allows for the deployment of military forces to assist police in combating organized crime and suspends certain constitutional rights, such as freedom of movement and assembly. The government's actions also included the removal of Interior Minister Juan José Santiváñez, who was ousted by Congress due to his failure to control the rising violent crime in the country.

However, the effectiveness of these measures has been called into question by critics, who argue that a sole focus on punitive actions is insufficient. They contend that the government must also address the underlying socio-economic factors that contribute to the surge in crime and extortion. The controversial "pro-organized crime" law has also faced backlash, with concerns that it could potentially weaken law enforcement's ability to prosecute criminal organizations effectively.

The recent protests in Lima and the government's response have brought the issue of public safety to the forefront of the national agenda. As the country grapples with this crisis, the pressure on the Boluarte administration to find effective and sustainable solutions continues to mount.