Peru: Protesters Killed And Injured In Violent Crackdown
As a result of a long dated political crisis, Peru has gone into a spiral of violence that included several human rights violations especially against protesters in Lima and other major relevant cities. This political crisis escalated with then-President Castillo announcing the dissolution of the National Congress on 7 December 2022. The Constitutional Court and the Congress rejected this decision and Castillo was arrested on the same day. The vice president, Dina Boluarte, was quickly sworn in as President and local authorities have formally recognized her as the new Commander in Chief.
Protests and violence continue to rise throughout the country against Congress and the new political forces in place. To date, according to the Ombudsperson Office, seven people have died, including two adolescents, all by firearms, and dozens of injured protesters and journalists. This has been reported throughout multiple media outlets.
Romario Quispe Garfias, 18, and another 15-year-old boy were killed on 11 December in Andahuaylas, a southern city in Peru, while the media reported that two more people died in protests. Dozens of people, including civilians and police officers, have also been injured by firearms and blunt objects.
In addition, the National Association of Journalists of Peru recorded attacks on 21 journalists in Lima, Apurímac, Huaura, Arequipa and Puno while covering the protests between 7 and 11 December. Amnesty International has received information of other events in which the environment of violence hinders the practice of journalism and puts at risk the work and the right to inform and be informed. The aggressions range from the excessive use of force by the National Police to demonstrators committing aggressions, insults and attempting to strip journalists of their work equipment.
Amnesty International has verified images of police firing tear gas canisters from close range directly at the bodies of protesters in Plaza San Martin in Lima. Force should not be used except when strictly necessary, in a proportional manner and for a legitimate purpose, which should then be subject to a process of accountability. In situations of violence, security forces must individualize the response to those responsible for generating disturbances or endangering the life and integrity of others.
Amnesty International reminds the authorities that a protest does not lose its peaceful character because of sporadic acts or unlawful behavior by individuals. Therefore, the respect, guarantee and protection of the human rights of those who demonstrate peacefully must not be diminished. State security forces should also prioritize the peaceful resolution of the situation and avoid using force in ways that contravene international standards.
The Peruvian authorities must promptly, thoroughly, independently and impartially investigate all allegations of human rights violations in the context of the current crisis. Amnesty International is particularly concerned that the Police Protection Law (No. 3110), which has been in force since March 2020, leaves open the possibility for excessive use of force by the National Police to go unpunished, in contravention of Peru’s obligations under international law.