Peru Pres. Declares State of Emergency 10/22 06:07

   

   LIMA, Peru (AP) -- Peru's new president declared a state of emergency in the 
capital Tuesday in the government's latest attempt to stem a surge in violence 
that has stirred protests and contributed to the recent downfall of his 
predecessor.

   Peru has seen an increase of killings, violent extortion and attacks on 
public places in recent years. Between January and September, police reported 
1,690 homicides, compared to 1,502 during the same period of 2024.

   Former President Dina Boluarte was removed from office by Peru's Congress on 
Oct. 10, after an impeachment process in which lawmakers said that she had been 
unable to tackle the crime wave. She was immediately replaced by Jos Jer, the 
legislative body's leader.

   In a televised message, Jer said the emergency in Lima will last 30 days, 
and added that the government is considering steps including deploying soldiers 
to help police and restricting some rights, such as the freedom of assembly and 
movement. His government published later a decree formally declaring the 
emergency.

   "Wars are won with actions, not words," the president said in the address. 
He said that he's planning to a new approach to fighting crime that he 
described as going "from defense to offense."

   Peru has seen major protests against violence and corruption led by Gen Z 
activists.

   Protesters rallied in Lima on Thursday to demand the resignation of the new 
president. The demonstration turned violent, leaving one civilian dead and 
around 100 people injured, including police officers and some journalists.

   Jer said that same day that he wouldn't resign.

   Former President Boluarte declared a 30-day state of emergency in March, but 
it did little to reduce crime.