Peru's President, Dina Boluarte, has officially approved a law that grants amnesty to members of the military and police accused of crimes during the country's protracted conflict with Maoist insurgents. The legislation, which was pushed through Congress in July, has sparked outrage from human rights organizations and the international community, particularly after the Inter-American Court of Human Rights mandated its suspension for review.
The law is aimed at members of the armed services, police forces, and civilian militias facing charges related to the two-decade long violence which is estimated to have resulted in 70,000 deaths and over 20,000 disappearances, as reported by Peru's Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). Notably, the measure will also facilitate the release of individuals over 70 who are currently imprisoned for these offenses.
President Boluarte, who became the first female leader of Peru following her election in 2022, defended the decision, portraying it as a tribute to those who defended democracy against terrorism. However, critics argue this represents a profound betrayal of victims, with entities like Human Rights Watch calling it an affront to justice and accountability.
Experts from the United Nations and Amnesty International had strongly advised Boluarte to reject the bill, which they claim contradicts Peru's obligations to investigate serious violations such as extrajudicial killings and torture. Concerns have been raised that the amnesty could lead to the dismissal of over 600 ongoing trials and 156 convictions associated with human rights abuses.
The TRC’s findings indicated that state agents were responsible for 83% of sexual violence cases documented during this turbulent time. Last year, further legal changes limited the time frame for prosecuting crimes against humanity that occurred before 2002, effectively completing the closure on numerous investigations.
This controversial law follows a troubling trend in Peru, where historical presidents, including Alberto Fujimori—conflated with significant human rights violations—were released from prison on situational grounds only to pass away shortly thereafter.
The law is aimed at members of the armed services, police forces, and civilian militias facing charges related to the two-decade long violence which is estimated to have resulted in 70,000 deaths and over 20,000 disappearances, as reported by Peru's Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). Notably, the measure will also facilitate the release of individuals over 70 who are currently imprisoned for these offenses.
President Boluarte, who became the first female leader of Peru following her election in 2022, defended the decision, portraying it as a tribute to those who defended democracy against terrorism. However, critics argue this represents a profound betrayal of victims, with entities like Human Rights Watch calling it an affront to justice and accountability.
Experts from the United Nations and Amnesty International had strongly advised Boluarte to reject the bill, which they claim contradicts Peru's obligations to investigate serious violations such as extrajudicial killings and torture. Concerns have been raised that the amnesty could lead to the dismissal of over 600 ongoing trials and 156 convictions associated with human rights abuses.
The TRC’s findings indicated that state agents were responsible for 83% of sexual violence cases documented during this turbulent time. Last year, further legal changes limited the time frame for prosecuting crimes against humanity that occurred before 2002, effectively completing the closure on numerous investigations.
This controversial law follows a troubling trend in Peru, where historical presidents, including Alberto Fujimori—conflated with significant human rights violations—were released from prison on situational grounds only to pass away shortly thereafter.
