The Government on Thursday declared state of emergency in 12 districts of Metropolitan Lima Area and Callao region in order to combat crime.
Similarly, it announced that it will submit to Congress a bill that classifies extortion, contract killing, and kidnapping as urban terrorism.
The districts declared in state of emergency are: Ate, Villa El Salvador, Ancon, Puente Piedra, Carabayllo, Comas, Independencia, San Martin de Porres, Los Olivos, San Juan de Lurigancho, and Lurigancho Chosica (Lima), plus Ventanilla (Callao region).
Defense Minister Walter Astudillo indicated that the
state of emergency will last 60 days, during which time the Peruvian National Police (PNP) will be in charge of maintaining domestic order, supported by the Armed Forces.
The Cabinet member also indicated that a bill will be submitted to Congress that classifies contract killing, kidnapping, extortion, and possession of illegally-obtained firearms as urban terrorism crimes.
Challapalca Prison
Minister Astudillo also stated that the
Challapalca Prison expansion has been arranged for the transfer of those sentenced and prosecuted for these crimes.
The press conference was held at the Council of Ministers headquarters and led by Cabinet Chief Gustavo Adrianzen.