Peru has declared a state of emergency in its capital Lima due to a surge in violence ignited by the shooting of cumbia singer Paul Flores during an extortion attempt. The government’s decree allows troops to patrol the streets for 30 days with expanded powers, following a troubling spike in criminal activity, including numerous killings and extortion incidents. The public outrage over Flores' death reflects broader concerns about security, prompting calls for stricter measures, including the death penalty for murderers, as some lawmakers question the effectiveness of the current administration in dealing with crime.
The government led by President Dina Boluarte made the decree, which will deploy troops on the streets of Lima, late on Monday.
Paul Flores, a well-known cumbia singer, died on Sunday as assailants attacked the bus he was travelling on in an apparent attempt to extort the operator.
Police reported 459 killings from January 1 to March 16, and 1,909 extortion reports in January alone.
President Dina Boluarte declared that she would like to see murderers face the death penalty.
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