Peru: Authorities must end 'unacceptable' violence used against protesters

Protests began in early December in response to the political and social crisis in the country

At least 18 people killed in clashes with police since yesterday

‘The people should not have to pay the price of the political crisis the country is going through’ - Marina Navarro

In response to the Peruvian authorities unnecessary and disproportionate use of force used against protesters, Marina Navarro, Amnesty International Peru’s Executive Director, said:

“The escalation of violence taking place in Peru is unacceptable.

“State repression against demonstrators and the loss of human lives is exacerbating the crisis. The people should not have to pay the price of the political crisis the country is going through.

“We call on the authorities to respect human rights and the security forces must comply with international standards on the use of force.”

Protests in early December

At least 40 people, including minors have died and dozens of people and police have been injured, many of them from firearms since protests began in Peru on 7 December.

Amnesty demands that the Peruvian government conduct a prompt, thorough, independent and impartial investigation into the possible human rights violations that have occurred since the beginning of the protests in order to identify, prosecute and punish those responsible, including the chain of command of the security forces up to the highest level.

The authorities must also deploy all available resources to attend to those who have been injured, guaranteeing their immediate medical attention, and that the passage of ambulances and the work of the medical staff be respected.

State of emergency

The declaration of a state of emergency on 15 December has not proven to be an adequate response to the political and social crisis facing the country.

Amnesty and other civil society organisations have found that human rights violations, including deprivation of life through excessive use of force and arbitrary detentions have increased.