1 / 8Peru Comes Under Emergency Rule Again | President José Jerí announced a 30-day state of emergency in the capital Lima and the neighbouring province of Callao, on Tuesday, October 21, effective immediately after midnight. According to media reports, the decree, approved by the Council of Ministers, allows the armed forces to assist police in maintaining order. (Image: AP)
2 / 8Rising Crime Triggers Drastic Action | Peru has witnessed a sharp rise in killings, extortion, and violent attacks in recent years. Police data cited by the Associated Press (AP) showed 1,690 homicides between January and September 2025, compared to 1,502 during the same period in 2024, underscoring the worsening security crisis. (Image: Reuters)
3 / 8President Jerí Promises “Offence” Against Crime | In a televised address, Jerí vowed to shift the government’s stance “from defence to offence” in combating crime. “Wars are won with actions, not words,” he declared, emphasising that the emergency is meant to restore “peace, tranquillity, and trust” among Peruvians. (Image: AP)
4 / 8Possible Curbs on Civil Rights | As reported by AP, the 30-day measure could include restrictions on movement and assembly. Jerí said his administration is considering deploying soldiers to support police patrols and ensure public safety. (Image: AP)
5 / 8Protests Turn Deadly Amid Political Turmoil | Reuters noted that the announcement comes after violent protests in Lima, where one civilian was killed and over 100 people—including police officers and journalists—were injured. Demonstrators, many from Peru’s Generation Z, have been demanding stronger action against crime and corruption. (Image: AP)
6 / 8Change in Leadership Amid Crisis | Jerí assumed office earlier this month after the ouster of former President Dina Boluarte on October 10. Congress impeached Boluarte over her failure to contain the crime wave, the AP reported. Jerí, formerly the legislative leader, immediately formed a new cabinet and declared fighting crime his top priority. (Image: Reuters)
7 / 8Repeated Emergency Declarations Raise Concerns | Analysts cited by Reuters observed that this is not the first time Peru has used emergency powers to address violence. Boluarte had also imposed a similar 30-day state of emergency in March, but experts say such measures have done little to produce lasting results. (Image: AP)
8 / 8Public Trust on the Line | The AP report highlighted that Jerí’s administration faces a steep challenge: tackling spiralling violence while maintaining democratic freedoms. Despite the unrest, the president insisted he would not resign, urging unity in what he described as “a fight for peace.” (Image: AP)
