Peru is experiencing its deadliest start to the year, with 368 homicides in the first two months, more than three times higher than the same period in 2017. President Dina Boluarte declared a 30-day state of emergency in Lima to combat rising crime, including extortion rackets. The government is considering introducing the death penalty and mandatory military and police service. However, these efforts have been met with criticism, with some arguing that states of emergency have been ineffective in reducing crime and infringe on civil liberties.