indicated that the state of emergency declared in various parts of Peru is a measure that will remain in place for as long as necessary.
"Living under a state of emergency will be necessary until we clean up the country. We must be very clear about that. We have to rid the country of criminals, and I believe we must apply the necessary measures for as long as required to achieve results," he told El Comercio in an interview.
The top official stated that another important measure to address crimes such as contract killing and extortion is the sale of SIM cards.
The Head of State argued that there must be responsibility on the part of distributors and limits on those who sell them.
"Do not think that the (Peruvian) State alone will solve this problem; a single person cannot move the country forward by defeating crime. This is a commitment — a crusade by all of us to save ourselves," Jeri indicated.
He recalled that his first action as Head of State was to visit a prison, and he assessed that in recent years there has been systematic neglect of the institutions responsible for fighting crime, such as police stations.
"A police agent's mistake should not label the entire institution. There has been a systematic weakening of the institutions that were supposed to carry out that work alongside the National Penitentiary Institute (INPE)," he said.
"We have not yet discussed with the Prime Minister and the Cabinet what concrete measure we will take, as we have just received the ruling. We will reflect carefully," Jeri said.
"Every action must be considered within the limits we have and the international commitments we have. There is a judicial mandate today, and I am open to all types of possibilities and decisions. I do not limit myself, and if it becomes necessary to enter the Mexican Embassy, it will be done. I have demonstrated through concrete actions, which many did not expect, that I do not hesitate. I am convinced that we are all judged by our actions," he pointed out.