Transport workers protest after driver’s murder in Peru

The protest erupted after 47-year-old driver José Esqueche was shot on Monday night, dying on the way to hospital. It was the second killing of a driver in less than a week along the same route.

Angry drivers and residents demanded greater security, accusing the government of failing to protect workers despite emergency measures. Clashes briefly broke out as riot police tried to clear the road, which had been blocked with vehicles and debris. Demonstrators said the state of emergency was doing little to stem the wave of violence affecting transport workers and businesses in the area.

President José Jerí declared the 30-day state of emergency last week, granting police and the military broad powers to enter homes and make arrests without a warrant. The decree also imposes tighter prison controls, including restrictions on visits and the destruction of illegal mobile antennas. The government says the measures are necessary to combat organised crime, but critics warn they have so far failed to bring security to Peru’s streets.