27 Sep 2024 | 08:27 PM UTC
Peru: Government broadens state of emergency in response to transport strike in Lima Sept. 27 /update 2
Peru broadens 60-day state of emergency in parts of Lima following major transport strike and protests Sept. 27.
In response to a major transport strike and associated protests, authorities broadened their existing 60-day state of emergency to encompass the Lima districts of Rimac and Santa Rosa. Under the decree, the state of emergency is in effect in Lima's Ancon, Ate, Carabayllo, Comas, Independencia, Los Olivos, Lurigancho-Chosica, Puente Piedra, Rimac, San Juan de Lurigancho, San Martin de Porres, Santa Rosa, and Villa El Salvador districts through at least Nov. 25. The measure also applies to Ventanilla District in neighboring Callao Province.
Under the state of emergency, the constitutional rights to free transit and assembly, as well as the right to be free from warrantless searches, are suspended. While the decree does not include a curfew, the minister of the interior warned that the suspension of these rights allows the government to order people to remain at home and that authorities will likely declare a curfew in some parts of Lima. Such a curfew could be imposed with little notice.
The state of emergency also allows the armed forces to engage in law enforcement actions and conduct patrols. Before the declaration, police deployed 15,000 officers in response to the strike; additional deployments are likely.
Despite the state of emergency, transport workers will likely continue to strike and stage protests across Lima. The protests may cause major transport and business disruptions throughout the Peruvian capital, especially in the city's north; the Ministry of Transport and Communications has asked employers to allow their personnel to arrive at work up to four hours late due to the strike. Authorities have urged individuals to work remotely if possible. Clashes between demonstrators and security forces are possible.
Due to the protests, the Ministry of Health has rescheduled appointments at state-run healthcare facilities, and several schools and universities have canceled classes. These changes may affect the work schedules of those who have health issues or care for children, leading to business disruptions.
Avoid protests as a precaution. If clashes occur, immediately take shelter in a secure, nongovernmental building. Allow for additional transport time throughout Lima. Consider suspending transport and business operations until the strike and protests subside. Avoid using buses for transport. Reconfirm all business appointments. Consider temporarily implementing work-from-home protocols. Do not attempt to bypass roadblocks; wait for authorities to dismantle them. Strictly heed the directives of authorities.
The strike and protests are aimed at forcing authorities to take action to reduce the level of extortion targeting transportation companies. The strike first began shortly after a bus driver was shot and killed Sept. 22 while resisting paying extortionists who boarded his vehicle; the shooting was the latest in several recent attacks on drivers and the companies that employ them. Late Sept. 26, a major fire consumed a parking lot being used by a transport company, destroying at least 25 passenger buses; initial reports indicate the fire was likely deliberately set by extortionists as a response to the strike.
