Peru Considers Death Penalty for Hitmen as Singer’s Murder Sparks Emergency Declaration

Peruvian President Dina Boluarte announced Monday that she “seriously considers” implementing the death penalty for hitmen and extortionists, following the Sunday murder of popular cumbia singer Paul Flores.

The 39-year-old vocalist of the band Armonía 10 died after assailants shot at the musicians’ bus as they returned from a concert outside Lima. “To these bloody murderers I say that I am seriously thinking about the death penalty,” declared Boluarte during a public event.

“No hitman or extortionist will stain with blood families who love their children.” The government immediately responded by declaring a 30-day state of emergency in Lima and Callao province effective March 18.

This emergency measure suspends constitutional rights including assembly and free movement while deploying military forces to support police operations against criminal groups.

Prime Minister Gustavo Adrianzén confirmed the decision through social media after an emergency meeting at the Government Palace. Authorities believe criminal organizations targeted the musical group with extortion demands, a growing problem throughout Peru.

Criminal gangs demand protection payments up to 20,000 soles ($5,000) from musicians, businesses, schools, and transportation companies. Peru has recorded over 450 homicides since January 2025, with more than 14,000 extortion complaints filed during 2024.

Peru’s Debate on Capital Punishment and Criminal Violence

Opposition lawmakers have initiated censure proceedings against Interior Minister Juan José Santiváñez. Critics argue previous states of emergency failed to reduce crime rates in affected regions.

Legal experts note reinstating capital punishment faces significant hurdles due to Peru’s international treaty obligations. Many view Boluarte’s announcement as a populist response to mounting public pressure rather than an achievable policy.

The president’s consideration comes just two months after U.S. President Donald Trump issued an executive order promoting the death penalty for capital crimes committed by undocumented immigrants. Florida followed suit by mandating capital punishment for undocumented individuals convicted of murder or child rape.

Peruvian officials scheduled a meeting of the National Citizen Security Council to discuss prison reforms and additional security measures. Meanwhile, police actively pursue suspects in Flores’ murder as citizens mourn another victim of Peru’s expanding criminal violence.