2025 Peru Security Crisis and State of Emergency Measures

The 2025 Peru Security Crisis is the security process triggered by rising organized crime, robbery, and homicide incidents, leading the government to declare two separate states of emergency in March and October. On 18 March 2025, President Dina Boluarte imposed a 30-day state of emergency in Lima following the murder of singer Paul Flores. After Boluarte’s removal from office, on 21 October 2025, interim President Jose Jerí declared a 30-day state of emergency in Lima and Callao due to increasing crime rates and protests.

Protests held in Lima, the capital of Peru, on 16 October 2025 – (Anadolu Agency)

First State of Emergency Declaration

In March 2025, security forces in Peru went on alert following a surge in organized crime and robbery incidents. Renowned cumbia singer Paul Flores was killed when the bus he was traveling in came under attack near Lima. Authorities stated that the attack was linked to the musician’s band being forced by a criminal organization to pay protection money.

In the wake of the violence, President Dina Boluarte declared a 30-day state of emergency (OHAL) in the capital Lima on 18 March 2025. Under the decree, armed forces were deployed alongside the national police to conduct street patrols. During the implementation period, certain fundamental rights and freedoms were temporarily suspended.

According to police reports, 459 homicides occurred between 1 January and 16 March 2025, with 1,909 robbery incidents reported in January alone. Over 14,000 robbery complaints were recorded in the first ten months of the previous year. Authorities indicated that the majority of violent incidents targeted public transportation workers.

In response to rising crime rates, opposition parties called for a vote of no confidence against Interior Minister Juan José Santiváñez, citing his failure to develop an effective plan against the violence. President Boluarte also called for the reinstatement of the death penalty during this period, but Peruvian law permits capital punishment only for the crime of treason.

Boluarte’s Removal from Office and Protests

On 10 October 2025, the Peruvian Congress removed President Dina Boluarte from office, citing her failure to bring crime rates under control. Congressional President Jose Jerí was sworn in as interim president on the same day. Shortly after assuming office, Jerí identified public security as the nation’s top priority and announced his new cabinet, declaring a hardline approach to combating crime.

Jose Jerí takes the oath of office as interim president, 10 October 2025 – (Anadolu Agency)

Shortly after Jerí assumed office, nationwide protests were organized by youth groups identified as Gen Z and various civil society organizations. Demonstrators demanded concrete measures to address rising crime rates.

Anti-government protests on 16 October 2025 took place in multiple cities, including the capital Lima. During clashes, protester Eduardo Mauricio Ruiz, aged 32, was shot and killed. The Ombudsman’s Office reported that numerous police officers and civilians were injured, and that a police officer opened fire after being attacked. Police Chief Óscar Arriola confirmed that the shooter was Luis Magallanes, a member of the National Police, who had been suspended and was receiving hospital treatment.

Interim President Jose Jerí, in a social media statement, expressed sorrow over Ruiz’s death and affirmed that the incident would be investigated “objectively.” Jerí claimed that violent acts had been provoked by criminals infiltrating peaceful demonstrations. Interior Minister Vicente Tiburcio, in a speech before Congress, stated that 89 police officers and 22 civilians had been injured, 11 individuals had been detained, and a comprehensive reform plan for the national police force was being prepared. On the same day, Prime Minister Ernesto Álvarez announced that preparations for a state of emergency in Lima had been completed.

Anti-government protests held across Peru, 16 October 2025 – (Anadolu Agency)

Second State of Emergency Declaration

In response to rising crime rates and escalating protests, on 21 October 2025, interim President Jose Jerí announced a 30-day state of emergency (OHAL) in Lima and Callao. The decision was approved by the Council of Ministers and took effect at midnight on 22 October.

The decree stipulated that armed forces would support the police and that security operations would be conducted jointly. In a national address, Jerí emphasized his determination to shift from defense to offense in the fight against crime, stating, “Wars are won not by words but by action.”

The emergency measures were implemented to restore internal security in Lima and Callao and to suppress organized crime activities. Jerí stated in his announcement that the goal was to reestablish “peace, tranquility, and public confidence” in the country.

Scope and Legal Provisions of the State of Emergency

Under the state of emergency declared on 21 October 2025, the government temporarily suspended certain constitutional rights, including the right to protest. During the emergency period, restrictions were imposed on freedoms of assembly, inviolability of the home, and personal security. The government authorized the military to conduct street patrols alongside police to maintain public order.

Under the decree, the Armed Forces began operations in public areas, with security efforts concentrated particularly at bus stops, metro stations, government buildings, and regions with high levels of violence. Additionally, the emergency decree banned two people from riding on the same motorcycle, a measure introduced to restrict the methods used by criminal organizations for attacks.

Security measures in prisons were strengthened, including restrictions on visits, scheduled power outages in cells, and the destruction of illegal communication antennas. Authorities stated that these measures were necessary because many criminal operations were being coordinated from within prisons.

Government Statements and Justifications

On 21 October 2025, interim President Jose Jerí announced the state of emergency in Lima and Callao in a brief televised address. In his remarks, he reiterated that “Wars are won not by words but by action,” signaling a tougher stance on security policy.

Jerí stated that crime rates had risen “disproportionately,” causing “immense suffering to thousands of families” and hindering the country’s progress. He emphasized the need to restore peace and tranquility to the nation.

The president also declared that a new chapter had been opened in the fight against crime through a strategy of “shifting from defense to offense.” He stated that this strategy aimed to reestablish security in the country and enable millions of Peruvians to live in peace.

Prime Minister Ernesto Álvarez, in a statement prior to the state of emergency, stressed that the measure must not be “an abstract declaration.” Álvarez emphasized that the government must address security issues through concrete actions, not merely rhetoric.

The emergency decree included a provision stating that “the National Police will continue to maintain internal order, while the armed forces will provide support to ensure public security.” This authorization permitted military personnel to conduct joint patrols with police.

The government further clarified that the purpose of the measures was not only to combat crime but also to “prevent violent acts and actions that disrupt public order.”