State of emergency: people torn between hope and mistrust

The first day of the state of emergency in Lima and Callao left a consensus on the streets: people want security, but they do not trust that this time will be any different. La República toured areas of eastern, southern, and central Lima, as well as gathering opinions in Trujillo and Callao. Between fear and skepticism, citizens' voices reveal a shared feeling: the problem is no longer just crime, but the lack of authority. “They catch them and let them go.” At the Las Flores bus stop in San Juan de Lurigancho, residents agreed that patrols must be accompanied by legal reforms. “It's a good measure, but Congress has to make stricter laws. They catch the thieves and then release them after a while. That way, nothing changes,” said one woman. The same interviewee said that her daughter was the victim of a robbery less than a week ago: "We caught the two criminals, took them to the police station, but they were released. One was 18 and the other was 17. They continue to steal as if nothing happened.“ Other residents called for a greater military presence during the day. ”Extortionists work around the clock. San Juan de Lurigancho should be the area with the most control," said one citizen. Another added: “Many of us suffer threats and extortion. We are tired.” Another neighbor pointed out: "One day is just one day. We all know which areas are hot spots, and that's where they should take action. My sister-in-law is charged weekly for her mobility.“ In Santa Anita, a resident observed ”soldiers standing around, looking at their cell phones, instead of asking for documentation or checking who has warrants." “We need a public system to know who the criminals are,” she added. “It's a good measure, but it also causes harm.” In Villa María del Triunfo, testimonies were divided between support and resignation. "It's okay because of the number of extortionists out there, but it also hurts those who work at night. Sales go down, businesses close, and that also hurts,“ explained one resident. Another interviewee recalled that the measure is not new: ”They already did this last time and it didn't work. If they put more emphasis on it, maybe it will work. But if there are no soldiers on the streets, what will change?" Most agreed that the state of emergency could partially reduce crime, but not eradicate it. “It won't be 100%, but if it at least reduces insecurity a little, it's already progress,” said a young man. “If it's only for a few days, it won't work.” At La Cultura station (San Borja) and Jirón de la Unión, passersby noted the presence of police and military personnel, although they described it as symbolic. “The important thing is that they stay and use intelligence,” said José, a young man. In the city center, Margarita, another interviewee, questioned the government: "The country got out of hand, that's why they're in a state of emergency. This president is supported by the same people as Dina. It affects us all. It's dangerous to leave the house,“ he said. He added: ”I don't agree with the idea that this will reduce extortion or murders. This country is rich, but the government is terrible.“ He said he has not seen any military personnel on the streets: ”I haven't seen any today, even though we are in a state of emergency.“ ”Nothing changes in Trujillo." In Trujillo, where a state of emergency has been in place for over a year, the population was openly skeptical. “The state of emergency is useless, crime remains the same or worse,” said a teacher. Another citizen added: “This is just propaganda. Until the gangs are infiltrated and their leaders are captured, everything will remain the same.” A farmer summed up the general mood: "Every day someone is killed in the valley. No one trusts the police or the government anymore.“ From Callao, another critical area, one interviewee bluntly described the measure: ”It's a joke. We've seen it before, and it hasn't worked. It's not forceful enough. Much more radical measures need to be taken,“ he said. The perception is clear: the population supports actions against crime, but distrusts the state apparatus that carries them out. ”We want to live in peace again,“ said a woman in Villa María del Triunfo. ”But that doesn't happen with speeches or cameras, but with real justice."