Lima, Peru – Amnesty International is urging Peru’s Attorney General’s Office to thoroughly investigate the lethal use of force by security forces during protests that resulted in 49 deaths from December to February. The human rights organization’s report highlights a disturbing pattern of violence, targeting individuals from marginalized communities and raising concerns about potential state-ordered or tolerated actions.
According to Amnesty International, the killings during the protests were not isolated incidents but rather a coordinated response by security forces. The report analyzed cases in Andahuaylas, Chincheros, Ayacucho, and Juliaca, pointing to potential extrajudicial executions and unjustified use of force. The victims, mostly demonstrators, observers, and bystanders, were predominantly from Indigenous and campesino backgrounds, suggesting a concerning racial and socio-economic bias.
Instances of excessive force, including the use of live ammunition in vulnerable areas of the body, were highlighted in the report. The lack of accountability and transparency in investigations by Peruvian authorities has raised alarms, with concerns that high-ranking officials may have been complicit or condoned the violence.
Despite warnings from human rights ombudsman’s offices, security forces continued to use unnecessary and deadly force against civilians, leading to a significant loss of life. The failure to provide accurate records of weapons used and personnel involved has further hindered efforts to hold those responsible accountable.
Amnesty International’s statistical analysis revealed a troubling racial bias in the handling of protests, with higher casualties recorded in areas populated by historically marginalized communities. The organization calls for swift and impartial investigations by the Attorney General’s Office and urges the Peruvian government to address structural racism within state institutions.
The lack of progress in holding perpetrators accountable for human rights violations and crimes under international law is a cause for concern. Amnesty International stresses the need for the government to condemn the use of lethal force by security forces and ensure victims’ access to justice, as well as seek assistance from regional or international human rights mechanisms in conducting criminal investigations.
In a plea for justice and accountability, Amnesty International calls on President Dina Boluarte to take immediate action to address the systemic issues contributing to the violence during protests. The organization’s report sheds light on the need for reform and justice to prevent further tragedies and uphold human rights in Peru.