Peru’s President Dina Boluarte declared a state of emergency on March 17, 2025, following increasing outrage over a surge of violence highlighted by the murder of popular singer Paul Flores. The emergency measure, which will last for 30 days, is set to restrict civil liberties such as the right to assembly and grant military forces authority to assist police authorities on the streets of Lima, home to approximately 12 million people.
The wave of violence included 459 homicides reported from January 1 to March 16, 2025, coupled with 1,909 extortion reports filed just within January alone. The death of Flores, aged 39, who was shot to death on March 16 by assailants who attacked the bus he was traveling on, has reverberated deeply within the public sphere, prompting calls for government accountability. Flores was the lead singer of the cumbia band Armonia 10.
This shocking event not only reflects the personal tragedy of losing such a beloved cultural figure but also casts harsh light on the broader crisis surrounding crime and extortion rampant within Peruvian society. The attack occurred shortly after the band had performed at a concert, and police suspect it was linked to extortion demands placed on the band.
Just a day before Flores’s assassination, on March 15, 2025, another crime struck Lima as explosives detonated at a restaurant, leading to injuries for at least 11 individuals. These incidents underscored the urgency of the situation and galvanized public sentiment against violence and insecurity.
Public reaction was fierce. On the same day of Boluarte’s emergency declaration, she spoke with fervor during a school ceremony, indicating her serious consideration of reintroducing the death penalty for murderers as harsh measures, stating, “I tell these damned killers I’m seriously thinking about enacting the death penalty.”
The President’s remarks highlight her determination to confront the crime issue head-on, yet they also come amid widespread criticism of her leadership. Boluarte has faced prolonged unpopularity, with her approval ratings languishing around 5 percent for several months. Authorities had previously declared states of emergency from September to December 2024 without achieving lasting improvements.
Peru’s lawmakers have initiated discussions about holding Interior Minister Juan José Santiváñez accountable for the perceived lack of effective policies against rising violence. Lawmakers have requested a vote of no confidence against him, with the motion expected to be addressed later this week. Critics argue Boluarte's government has failed to establish practical strategies for curbing the increasing crime.
Past leaders have often resorted to emergency declarations to regain control during social unrest or spikes in criminal activity. While the decree puts the military and police forces on heightened alert, many Peruvians question its efficacy. "Under states of emergency, civil liberties are suspended, allowing police and military to detain individuals without cause or judicial orders, which raises concerns about potential abuses and effectiveness.", noted security analyst Maria Gonzalez.
Additonally, the growing crisis surrounding extortion networks has created fear among various sectors including bus drivers, musicians, shopkeepers, and schools. The lifestyle of many has been undermined as musicians reveal experiencing threats and coercive demands from criminal organizations, which they claim have been facilitated by inadequate state responses.
Cumbia, the musical genre to which Flores belonged, has been integral to Peru’s cultural fabric, with its deep roots attracting widespread admiration. The cultural ministry lamented the loss of Flores, commemorated for his considerable influence, and remarked, “With his talent and charisma, he won the hearts of thousands of Peruvians.”
Overall, the wave of violence, punctuated by Flores' senseless murder, reflects deep-seated issues concerning public safety and governance. This dire wake-up call has ignited civic unrest, prompting citizens to demand decisive action more than mere rhetoric from their leaders. The road forward remains fraught with challenges as the constitutionally enshrined rights are temporarily curtailed and the visibility of armed forces on the streets increases.
Moving forward, the necessity for long-term security measures, community engagement, and meaningful policy changes cannot be overstated. Peruvians are closely watching whether the Boluarte administration will embrace fresh, effective strategies to combat not just the symptoms of violence but also the root causes fueling such criminal behavior.
The state of emergency might serve as just another round of crisis management without addressing these underlying issues, leaving the people of Peru grappling with fear of crime as they also seek to restore their cultural joys represented by artists like Flores.
