Peruvian government extends ‘state of emergency’ in Lima and Callao due to insecurity situation

The Peruvian government on Friday extended the state of emergency in the Lima metropolitan area and the neighboring province of Callao for another 45 days to combat the growing public insecurity and organized crime in those areas.

In a decree published in the official gazette “El Peruano,” the government said the goal was to protect the population from threats to its security and promote the general welfare based on justice and the comprehensive and balanced development of the nation.

It explained that the extension of the measure approved last February took effect this Friday and will continue to allow the Peruvian National Police to maintain internal order with the support of the armed forces.

It argued that the intervention of the police and the armed forces follows the provisions of Legislative Decrees No. 1186 and No. 1095, the latter of which establishes the “Rules for the Deployment and Use of the Armed Forces in the National Territory.”

It also states that during the state of emergency, “constitutional rights relating to the inviolability of the home, freedom of transit within the national territory, freedom of assembly, and personal liberty and security are suspended.

“The participation of the local and regional governments of the metropolis of Lima and the constitutional province of Callao, respectively, will be carried out within the framework of the regulations in force regarding the security of citizens,” the government decree continues.

The decree, signed by President Pedro Castillo, states that confidential police reports recommend “continuing operations aimed at reducing crimes committed by common criminals and organized criminal gangs.”