The president of Peru faces allegations of crimes against humanity before the International Criminal Court – KNfins

The president of Peru faces allegations of crimes against humanity before the International Criminal Court

Dina Boluarte is accused of being involved in police violence during the protests in 2022 and 2023, which resulted in the deaths of 49 people.

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On Tuesday (25th), two human rights organizations, the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and the Peruvian Association for Human Rights (APRODEH), filed a complaint with the International Criminal Court (ICC). The complaint aims to initiate a preliminary examination against Dina Boluarte, the president of Peru, and members of her government for alleged crimes against humanity.

The protests in Peru between 2022 and 2023 were marked by violent confrontations between demonstrators and security forces, leading to several fatalities. The ICC will now assess whether the allegations are sufficient to warrant a full preliminary investigation, the first step in determining whether crimes under the court’s jurisdiction were committed.

The lawyers Jimena Reyes, director of the Americas office of FIDH, and Gloria Cano, director of APRODEH, met on Tuesday with representatives of the prosecutor’s office to present documents stating that crimes against humanity were committed between December 7, 2022, and February 9, 2023, as noted in a statement from FIDH.

According to the statement, “the individuals responsible for the crimes of murder and attempted murder are state authorities, including members of the Peruvian army and the national police, acting under a planned or at least tacitly approved state policy from the highest national authorities of Peru.” The report by FIDH and APRODEH concluded that the victims “were part of a civilian population of demonstrators or individuals perceived as such, mainly young men and poor people from indigenous regions of the country.”

CNN has reached out to the Peruvian government and the lawyer representing Dina Boluarte for comments on the allegations. President Boluarte has denied any personal responsibility since the protests began, while former Prime Minister Alberto Otarola stated that the government “defended the right of Peruvians to peace and order.”

In addition to the victims, hundreds of people were “injured due to the uncontrolled use of lethal force by the military and police, who were tasked with patrolling the protests following the declaration of a state of emergency,” said Gloria Cano. She emphasized that “most were killed while exercising their legitimate right to protest.” Among the profiles of the victims presented to the ICC are Leonardo Hancco, 32, and Beckhan Quispe, 18, whose cases had been reported earlier.

The prolonged protests in Peru were triggered by the impeachment and imprisonment of former President Pedro Castillo in December 2022, reflecting deep dissatisfaction with living conditions and inequality in the Andean country. Although the protests occurred throughout Peru, violence escalated particularly in the rural and indigenous regions of the south.

A report by Amnesty International from May 2023 described how Peruvian security forces responded to the protests with widespread attacks on demonstrators, including youth and children. The report accused the security forces of involvement in “extrajudicial killings” and the “widespread use of lethal ammunition” during efforts to suppress the protests. Forty-nine civilians lost their lives, and Amnesty International emphasized that several of the deceased were not involved in the protests.

According to the report, “there is no evidence that any of the victims posed a threat to the life or physical integrity of the security forces.”

In January 2023, the Peruvian prosecutor’s office initiated a preliminary investigation against Dina Boluarte, Alberto Otarola, and other ministers from that time for alleged crimes of genocide, murder, and serious injuries during the protests. According to reports from CNN en Español, Boluarte participated in a non-public hearing last year as part of this ongoing investigation, which is still incomplete.

Both the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of the Interior of Peru were contacted for comments on the situation. Both ministries responded in February 2023 to inquiries from CNN, stating that they could not comment before the prosecutor’s investigation was completed.

Peruvian authorities have emphasized that the country’s security forces acted in legitimate self-defense during the protests.

Last year, Dina Boluarte stated that she and her ministers have no control over the protocols of the armed forces or the police. In her words: “They have their own laws and protocols. Whom do they obey? Their commanders. We have no power over them. I may be the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, but I have no command authority over them, and the protocols are established by them.”

Yovana Mendoza, president of the victims’ association in Ayacucho, who lost her brother Jhon Mendoza, 34, stated that the lawsuit before the ICC represents a cry for help from families in Peru. She expressed distrust towards the local government, saying, “They only enact laws to protect themselves.”

Ruth Barcena, in an interview with CNN, expressed her hope that the lawsuit before the International Criminal Court would bring justice after the loss of her husband, Leonardo Hancco. She emphasized the significance of this step for the families of the victims and underscored the necessity of accountability and having their voices heard. The community of Ayacucho and other affected regions in Peru hopes that this process will not only bring justice but also recognition of the tragic events and a pathway to truth and reconciliation.

Dina Boluarte is a Peruvian politician who took office under challenging circumstances marked by protests and controversies. She faces serious allegations of involvement in police violence during the protests between 2022 and 2023, which resulted in deaths and severe injuries. Boluarte has asserted that she has no direct influence over the protocols of the armed forces and police, noting that these institutions operate autonomously and establish their own operational guidelines. The political situation surrounding Boluarte remains a subject of discussion and investigation both nationally and internationally.

In addition to the issues regarding the protests and the allegations before the ICC, Boluarte faces internal criticism regarding her leadership during a phase of political and social instability in Peru. Her presidency has been characterized by significant economic and social challenges, as well as controversies over government actions and crisis responses. The Peruvian population is divided in its judgment of her government, reflecting both support and criticism, which underscores the polarization and political tensions in the country.

Picture of Ella Bailey
Ella Bailey

an editor at KNfins since 2024.

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