Boluarte Declares State of Emergency in Peru Following Singer’s Murder

Peruvian President Dina Boluarte declared a 30-day state of emergency in Lima and Callao following the murder of cumbia singer Paul Flores. The measure includes suspending constitutional rights and deploying the Armed Forces to support police efforts against crime. Boluarte is considering reinstating the death penalty, a move met with skepticism by critics citing ineffective past measures and international commitments against capital punishment.

Peruvian President Dina Boluarte has announced a 30-day state of emergency in Lima and Callao following the murder of prominent cumbia singer Paul Flores by hitmen. Effective from March 18, this state of emergency suspends constitutional rights such as assembly and personal freedom, with the Armed Forces assisting the National Police to combat rising crime. The announcement arises amid public outrage regarding Flores’ death and ongoing criticism of Interior Minister Juan José Santiváñez.

In response to the growing violence, Boluarte indicated that she is contemplating the reinstatement of the death penalty. “To these bloody murderers I say that I am seriously thinking about the death penalty, because no hitman, no extortionist, will be able to stain with blood families who love their children,” she declared. Boluarte emphasized the need to prevent further innocent deaths in Peru.

Critics, including left-wing Congressman Jaime Quito and former Interior Minister Carlos Basombrío, have contended that prior states of emergency have been ineffective in curbing crime, particularly extortion and contract killings, which have persisted. Moreover, reinstating the death penalty poses challenges due to Peru’s international obligations against capital punishment and the complex process required to withdraw from these commitments.

Justice Minister Eduardo Arana has indirectly criticized the Interior Ministry’s approach to tackling the issue. Concurrently, the Public Prosecutor’s Office and the National Police are actively investigating Flores’ murder to apprehend those responsible. On the day of the shooting, assailants opened fire on a bus carrying the band Armonía 10, resulting in Flores receiving fatal injuries.

Prime Minister Gustavo Adrianzén confirmed the prompt declaration of a state of emergency throughout Lima and Callao, stating, “It has been ordered that in the next hours a state of emergency be decreed throughout the province of Lima and the Constitutional province of Callao, with the deployment of troops of our Armed Forces in support of the National Police.”

In conclusion, President Dina Boluarte’s declaration of a state of emergency in response to the murder of Paul Flores highlights the increasing concerns regarding crime in Peru. The proposed reinstatement of the death penalty and the criticism of existing strategies reflect a contentious dialogue surrounding the effectiveness of such measures. As investigations continue, the government faces challenges in addressing public safety amid national and international legal frameworks.

Original Source: en.mercopress.com