Peru's former president of the Congress Jose Jeri, sings the national anthem after being sworn-in as the interim president in Lima, Peru, Friday, Oct. 10, 2025. (AP Photo/John Reyes)
Peru's former president of the Congress Jose Jeri, sings the national anthem after being sworn-in as the interim president in Lima, Peru, Friday, Oct. 10, 2025. (AP Photo/John Reyes)
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.
In a televised message, Jerà 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.â€
Peru has seen major .
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.
Jerà said that same day that .
Former President Boluarte declared a 30-day state of emergency in March, but it did little to reduce crime.