State of emergency: Popular singer shot dead in Peru

The Peru government has declared a state of emergency in Lima following a surge in violent crimes across the capital.

President Dina Boluarte announced the measure on Monday, March 17, 2025, directing soldiers to support police in tackling insecurity.

The 30-day emergency order will restrict movement and public gatherings while allowing security forces to detain suspects without a court order.

Authorities say the decision follows a sharp rise in killings, extortion, and attacks in recent months.

Police reports reveal that 459 murders were recorded between January 1 and March 16, with 1,909 extortion cases in January alone.

Public outrage escalated after the murder of Paul Flores, lead singer of the popular cumbia band Armonía 10.

Gunmen ambushed the band’s bus in Lima on Sunday, killing the 39-year-old musician and shocking fans nationwide.

Cumbia, a beloved Latin music genre, is known for its vibrant rhythms produced with drums, maracas, and other percussion instruments.

The killing has intensified criticism of the government’s handling of security challenges in the country.

Opposition lawmakers have moved to initiate a vote of no confidence against Interior Minister Juan José Santiváñez.

They accuse him of failing to implement a strong security strategy to curb the worsening crime situation.

Congress is expected to debate the proposal later this week as pressure mounts on the government to act.

Meanwhile, a powerful explosion hit a restaurant in Lima over the weekend, leaving at least 11 people injured.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the blast, which has further heightened fears of escalating violence.

This is not the first time Boluarte’s administration has imposed emergency measures to address insecurity.

Between September and December last year, a similar declaration was made, but crime rates have continued to rise.

With public frustration growing, many citizens are waiting to see if this latest action will bring lasting security.

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