News In Brief

Civil rights suspended in Peru as strike continues

President Fernando Belaunde Terry has declared a state of emergency, suspending civil rights guarantees for 30 days throughout Peru. Interior Minister Luis Percovich Roca said the action was taken because of a civil servants' strike that has closed most public schools, hospitals, municipal offices, and several government ministries.

During the 30 days, Peruvians may not hold public meetings or travel without permission from the government. Police are empowered to search homes, make arrests without warrants, and hold suspects indefinitely without formal charges.

''The measure is necessary to guarantee the personal security of people who wish to arrive at their workplaces,'' Mr. Percovich said.

Peru is facing a deepening economic crisis, marked by 125 percent inflation and high unemployment.