The streets of Lima erupted into chaos on Thursday as a massive strike by public transport companies turned violent, highlighting the ongoing crisis of extortion and insecurity that has plagued the city. Approximately 63 transport companies, representing over 5,000 vehicles, participated in the strike, protesting against the growing threats from criminal organizations demanding extortion payments. The unrest resulted in protesters clashing with those who attempted to continue operations, leading to injuries and property damage across the capital.
The Peruvian government responded to the escalating violence by declaring a 60-day state of emergency in 12 districts of Lima and Callao, deploying 15,000 police officers and military personnel to restore order. The strike, which began earlier in the week, forced the suspension of in-person classes in public and private schools, as authorities urged companies to allow teleworking to minimize disruptions. Transport union leaders voiced their frustration over government inaction, with some calling the situation a 'failed policy' that endangers lives.
In light of the crisis, the government announced plans to introduce legislation that would classify extortion, contract killing, and kidnapping as urban terrorism, a move that has sparked a heated debate in Congress. Critics argue that labeling these acts as terrorism could suppress legitimate protests and dissent. Meanwhile, the public continues to grapple with the consequences of the strike, which has significantly disrupted daily life in Lima, with many residents relying on the limited services that remained operational during the unrest.
- The situation in Lima has been exacerbated by a series of violent incidents targeting transport workers. Since mid-August, there have been at least 16 reported attacks, resulting in the deaths of three drivers, including 21-year-old Jorge Ríos Lafite, who was killed while picking up passengers. These incidents have fueled anger among transport operators, who feel abandoned by the government in the face of increasing violence.
- The International Chamber of the Transport Industry has reported that extortionists charge exorbitant fees to transport companies, sometimes demanding registration fees as high as 70,000 soles (approximately $18) and additional payments for each route completed. This criminal activity has led to significant financial losses for the industry, with estimates suggesting that each day of strike action results in losses of around 230 million soles (about $60.5 million).
- As the government seeks to address the crisis, many citizens remain skeptical about the effectiveness of the proposed measures. The ongoing debate in Congress regarding the classification of extortion as urban terrorism has raised concerns among activists and opposition leaders, who fear it could be used to stifle dissent and limit the rights of citizens to protest against government policies.
