Peru’s interim president declares state of emergency after weeks of anti-government protests

Declaration means government can send army to patrol streets, restrict freedom of assembly and curtail other rights

Peru's interim president, Jose Jeri, announced a state of emergency in Lima and the neighbouring port of Callao on Tuesday after weeks of anti-government protests over corruption and organised crime.

The state of emergency approved by the council of ministers will take effect at midnight on Wednesday and will last for 30 days in metropolitan Lima and Callao," Jeri said in an address to the nation on state television.