Peru Extends State of Emergency to Callao

Peru has declared a 30-day state of emergency in Lima and neighboring Callao following the murder of popular cumbia singer Paul Flores, who was killed in an extortion-related attack. President Dina Boluarte authorized the deployment of troops to assist police in combating a crime wave characterized by violent extortion and murders. This move grants authorities additional powers to detain individuals and restricts certain civil liberties. The crime wave, primarily linked to criminal gangs, has led to significant public outcry and calls for harsher penalties, including the death penalty for murderers, despite legal constraints. Peru has a history of declaring states of emergency in response to surges in criminal activity, as seen in similar instances over recent years. Opposition lawmakers are pressing for a vote of no confidence against the Interior Minister, citing inadequate measures to address the violence.