Peru extends state of emergency over extortion gangs

The country has been in a state of emergency since mid-March, with soldiers deployed to help police crack down on gangs.

The initial declaration in March came after singer Paul Flores was shot dead by hitmen who had attempted to extort money from him and his bandmades.

Sunday's extension, effective from April 17, will affect metropolitan Lima and the neighboring port of Callao.

During that period, motorcyclists are prohibited from riding with a passenger, the notice released by the Peruvian government said.

While extortion is a problem across Latin America, it has taken on alarming proportions in Peru -- a phenomenon blamed partly on criminal gangs such as Venezuela's Tren de Aragua which operates in several Latin American countries.

Since January, more than 450 murders have been reported, according to government data.

Under the state of emergency, the government can suspend civil liberties such as the right to assemble, and house searches can be carried out.

"We will not allow one more death," President Dina Boluarte declared last month after Flores's killing.