Peru’s Congress Votes to Remove Interior Minister Over Spike in Violent Crime
Background
The Peruvian Congress has voted to dismiss Juan Jose Santivanez, the country’s interior minister, over his failure to contain a surge in violent crime, including the recent murder of a popular singer. The decision comes amid heightened emotions in the South American country, where crime rates have been rising steadily.
The Incident
On Sunday, cumbia star Paul Flores, 39, was shot dead by hitmen who attacked his tour bus after a concert outside the capital Lima. The band, Armonia 10, was being ransomed by a criminal gang, which had threatened to kill the lead singer unless the group paid it protection money.
The Vote
The Congress voted by 79 votes in favor to 11 against to remove Santivanez from office over "his political responsibility and inability to tackle the wave of citizen insecurity facing the country." Twenty lawmakers abstained.
Public Reaction
The minister’s dismissal comes just before a demonstration in Lima, where hundreds of people marched towards the Peruvian Congress to demand the government crack down on extortion and murder in the wake of Flores’s murder. "Today we are here to support the fight against violence, not only against musicians but also against everyone," said Alan Meriche, a 38-year-old shopkeeper. "I’m protesting to demand justice (and for) no more deaths. My son was killed eight months ago over a cell phone," Celinda Armas, 60, told AFP. "Is life worthless?"
Crime Wave in Peru
The first three months of the year saw 459 crime-related homicides in Peru, according to the National Information System of Deaths. This is the highest figure in two decades. Racketeering, part of a crime wave that has spread to many Latin American countries, has reached alarming proportions in Peru. Entire neighborhoods live in fear of gangs, including transnational gangs such as Venezuela-based Tren de Aragua, that threaten bus drivers, shopkeepers, hairdressers, and even teachers if they do not pay protection money.
Government Response
The government has declared a month-long state of emergency in the capital to allow for the deployment of soldiers to help police crack down on organized crime. President Dina Boluarte has 72 hours to name a new interior minister to replace Santivanez.
Conclusion
The vote is a significant step in addressing the growing concern over crime in Peru. The government must now take swift and decisive action to address the issue and restore public trust. The people of Peru demand a safer and more secure environment, and it is the responsibility of the government to provide it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why was the interior minister removed?
A: The interior minister was removed due to his failure to contain the surge in violent crime.
Q: What was the reason for the surge in crime?
A: The surge in crime is attributed to racketeering and the rise of transnational gangs.
Q: What is the government’s response to the crisis?
A: The government has declared a state of emergency and deployed soldiers to help police crack down on organized crime.
Q: What is the next step for the government?
A: President Dina Boluarte has 72 hours to name a new interior minister to replace Santivanez.