LIMA — In a decisive move to address growing gang violence, the government of President Keiko Fujimori announced a 60‑day state of emergency for five high‑security prisons on Saturday. The decree empowers police and military forces to take direct control of the facilities, secure the surrounding airspace and electromagnetic spectrum, and act swiftly against criminal networks operating from within the walls.
Why the emergency was needed
The five prisons targeted by the order house roughly half of all inmates linked to organized criminal groups, according to officials. Authorities say these gangs use the prisons as command centers, coordinating illicit activities that spill over into the broader community. Recent incidents, including a gunmen‑in‑police‑uniform attack that left four dead and a kidnapping of a mining businessman in northern Peru, have heightened public anxiety about safety.
Details of the emergency powers
Under the emergency, the armed forces and police may:
- Assume operational control of the prisons, overriding standard civilian administration.
- Secure the immediate airspace and electromagnetic spectrum to prevent communications that could aid gang coordination.
- Take necessary action to neutralize threats, including the use of force where justified.
The measure is set to last 60 days, with the possibility of extension if the security situation does not improve.
Broader security context
Peru’s homicide rate rose to 10.7 per 100,000 residents last year, up from 10.1 in 2024, reflecting a troubling upward trend in violent crime. The government has also asked Congress for a 120‑day legislative window to label major criminal organizations as “terrorist” groups, a request that has met resistance from opposition lawmakers concerned about civil liberties and due‑process safeguards.
Local impact and community concerns
Residents in the capital and surrounding regions have expressed growing unease about the influence of gangs that operate from behind bars. Community leaders and faith‑based groups have called for stronger protection of families and neighborhoods, emphasizing the need for decisive action that respects constitutional rights while safeguarding public safety.
What comes next
The emergency decree will be closely monitored by both domestic watchdogs and international observers. Success will be measured by a reduction in gang‑related crimes, fewer violent incidents linked to prison networks, and the ability of law‑enforcement agencies to maintain order without overstepping constitutional limits.
As the administration pushes forward, the balance between security and liberty remains a central theme in public discourse, reflecting Peru’s ongoing struggle to protect its citizens while upholding the rule of law.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
