Peru: Government declares state of emergency in response to transport strike in Lima Sept. 26 /update 1

In response to a major transport strike and associated protests, authorities declared a 60-day state of emergency in the Lima districts of Ancon, Ate, Carabayllo, Comas, Independencia, Los Olivos, Lurigancho-Chosica, Puente Piedra, San Martin de Porres, San Juan de Lurigancho, and Villa El Salvador. The state of emergency also applies to Ventanilla District of the neighboring Callao Province.

Under the state of emergency, the armed forces can engage in law-enforcement actions and carry out patrols; before the declaration, police deployed 15,000 officers in response to the strike, and additional deployments are likely under the state of emergency. Police and military forces will also likely conduct warrantless searches of vehicles, property, and personnel in the affected areas.

Despite the state of emergency, transport workers are likely to continue to strike and stage protests across Lima to demand that authorities reduce the level of extortion targeting transportation companies; several bus drivers have been attacked, some fatally, in recent months by organized crime groups that demand payments. The protests will probably cause major transport and business disruptions throughout Lima, especially in the city's north; the Ministry of Transport and Communications has asked employers to allow their personnel to arrive up to four hours late to workplaces due to the strike, and authorities have urged personnel who can work remotely to do so. Clashes between demonstrators and security forces, including the military, 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.