Wave Of Crime Shakes Capital City, Peru Implements Emergency Conditions For 30 Days

Peru President Dina Bouarte. (Wikimedia Commons/Cancillerris del Permen)

JAKARTA - The Peruvian government declared a state of emergency in the capital Lima and deployed the aerospace to the streets to help defuse the wave of violence that later killed a popular singer.

Paul Flores' death in the early hours of Sunday sparked public outrage after the bus he was traveling in was shot by an unidentified armed assailant. Flores died after being shot, according to police, quoted by Reuters on March 18.

A wave of crimes, including a spike in extortion, prompted President Dina Bouarte to say he wanted to see the killers face the death penalty, although Peru only allowed execution for convicted traitors.

The 30-day emergency deck applies in Lima and in neighboring province Callao. This gives additional authority to authorities to deploy the military to fight against violations of the law.

In recent years, officials in Peru have repeatedly declared a state of emergency as criminal activity or social unrest escalates.

The government's move on Monday follows weeks of escalating violence blamed on criminal groups frequently targeting businesses, including transportation companies, while authorities have praised the recent gang arrests.