Peru’s government declared a 30-day state of emergency in the capital Lima on Monday, deploying soldiers to combat a rise in violence. The move comes after the killing of popular cumbia musician Paul Flores, which sparked widespread outrage.

BulletsIn

• Peru declared a state of emergency in Lima and Callao province due to a surge in violent crime.
• Soldiers were deployed to the streets to help curb increasing violence, including extortion rackets.
• The death of cumbia musician Paul Flores on Sunday fueled public outrage after his bus was shot at by armed assailants.
• Flores was fatally shot during the attack, which took place on the bus he was traveling in.
• President Dina Boluarte called for the death penalty for murderers, despite Peru’s law restricting executions to traitors.
• The 30-day emergency decree gives authorities extra powers to deploy military forces against criminal groups.
• The violence in Lima and Callao has been blamed on criminal groups targeting businesses, especially transport companies.
• Recent weeks have seen an escalation of violence, despite authorities reporting gang arrests.
• Peru has declared emergencies in the past to combat spikes in crime or social unrest.
• The government’s move highlights ongoing concerns over security and lawlessness in the capital.