Peru: Extension of State of Emergency in Lima Amidst Surge in Extortions

The Peruvian government has extended the state of emergency and military deployment for an additional 45 days in several areas of the capital as part of its efforts to combat a rising wave of extortions linked to organized crime.

A decree published late Tuesday evening in the official gazette confirmed that the government will maintain a military presence in 14 of Lima’s 43 districts, which are home to approximately 60% of the city’s 10 million residents.

Interior Minister Juan José Santivañez remarked on Monday to local media that the state of emergency “is yielding positive results” in the fight against crime.

In response to a sharp increase in extortion cases—most notably marked by the murders of five drivers this year—transport unions and merchant groups have organized four strikes since September, demanding that the government take decisive action to address issues of insecurity and crime.

According to police reports, from January to September, Peru recorded 14,220 cases of extortion. Throughout 2023, at least 22,294 complaints were filed; however, many victims choose not to report incidents due to fear of retaliation.