Peruvian President Dina Boluarte declared a 30-day state of emergency in Lima and Callao after the murder of singer Paul Flores. Amidst public outrage, she suggested considering the death penalty for hitmen. Critics highlight previous emergencies have failed to curb crime, questioning the viability of her measures, especially regarding capital punishment due to international commitments. Investigations into the murder are ongoing.
Peruvian President Dina Boluarte announced a 30-day state of emergency in Lima and Callao following the murder of cumbia singer Paul Flores by hitmen. This emergency measure, effective from March 18, temporarily suspends key constitutional rights, including the freedoms of assembly and movement while deploying the Armed Forces to assist the National Police in crime prevention efforts.
The decision comes amid a public outcry regarding Flores’ death and censure motions against Interior Minister Juan José Santiváñez. President Boluarte expressed her consideration to reinstate the death penalty for those involved in such heinous crimes, stating that no hitman or extortionist would be allowed to harm families in Peru.
Critics, including left-wing Congressman Jaime Quito and former Interior Minister Carlos Basombrío, argue that past states of emergency have not successfully tackled crime such as extortion and contract killings. They emphasize that crime rates have either remained the same or increased, questioning the efficacy of Boluarte’s proposed measures.
Analysts note that the reinstatement of the death penalty is unlikely due to Peru’s international obligations against capital punishment and the complicated process of withdrawing from these commitments. Thus, many perceive Boluarte’s remarks as a populist strategy rather than a feasible plan.
Justice Minister Eduardo Arana has expressed indirect criticism of the Interior Ministry’s response to the situation, while investigations into Flores’ murder are actively conducted by the Public Prosecutor’s Office and National Police. Flores was fatally shot early Sunday while on a bus with his band, Armonía 10, but his bandmates were unharmed.
Prime Minister Gustavo Adrianzén confirmed the state of emergency in Lima and Callao, adding that military support would be deployed to assist police operations immediately.
In summary, the recent murder of Paul Flores has prompted President Boluarte to declare a state of emergency in Peru, aiming to combat rising crime levels. While the proposal for reinstating the death penalty has ignited debate, critics doubt its effectiveness given previous failures to address crime. As investigations continue, the government faces scrutiny regarding its crime response mechanisms, demonstrating the complexities of governance in addressing public safety.
Original Source: en.mercopress.com
