President Dina Boluarte of Peru has proposed the possibility of broadening the application of the death penalty as a measure to combat the increasing security issues plaguing the country. This consideration comes in the wake of a state of emergency declared in Lima and Callao, aimed at bolstering the efforts of the National Police in response to rising crime rates. Peru, facing a serious security crisis, would need to detach itself from the international Pact of San José to carry out such changes.
The declaration of a state of emergency, made by the Council of Ministers, is set for 30 days in Lima and Callao. This decision supports law enforcement agencies in their fight against crime. The security situation worsened following an incident involving the cumbia group Armonia 10, where gunshots were fired at their bus. The attack left their singer, Paul Hambert Flores García, hospitalized due to a "cardiorespiratory arrest" after being struck by one of the bullets.
“To these damned murderers, I say that I am seriously considering the death penalty,” stated Boluarte.
Currently, Peru's death penalty is limited to crimes of treason during war and acts of terrorism. Any extension to include other crimes would necessitate reforms to both the Constitution and the Penal Code. The government is weighing these changes as they attempt to address the pressing security concerns.
The recent state of emergency declaration on Monday underscores the urgency of stemming the tide of criminal activities. The shooting incident has prompted the Ministry of the Interior to deploy multiple units of the Peruvian National Police tasked with identifying and capturing those responsible for the attack.
The security crisis has also led to a series of strikes by transportation unions in September 2024, serving as a warning to President Boluarte's administration. Additionally, several public schools have reported extortion attempts by criminals, leading them to suggest a return to virtual classes for safety reasons.
