The Peruvian authorities must change course and put an end to the “excessive and murderous” use of force to put an end to the demonstrations which have shaken the country for several months, underlines Amnesty International.
The human rights organization warns, in a new report, that the abuses brought to light by its investigators could ultimately have legal consequences for state officials, including “at the highest level”.
The warning particularly concerns President Dina Boluarte, who sought to clear herself this week by declaring that she had never authorized the use of lethal force against Peruvians who are insistently demanding her departure and the holding of new presidential and legislative elections. .
She took power in December after her predecessor, Pedro Castillo, was ousted and detained for trying to dissolve Congress in a move that his opponents described as a coup attempt.
Demonstrations broke out in stride all over the country, sparking a strong reaction from the police which officially left around fifty dead and hundreds injured.
PHOTO MARTIN MEJIA, ASSOCIATED PRESS ARCHIVES
An anti-government protester walks past a line of riot police as part of a protest in downtown Lima
Amnesty International, which investigated 46 possible cases of human rights violations, was able to document 12 cases of gunshot deaths.
“All the victims had gunshot wounds to the chest, torso or head, which could indicate in some cases an intentional use of lethal force”, underlined the organization, which speaks of possible cases “of extrajudicial executions”.
An 18-year-old student, Jhonatan Erik Enciso Arias, was notably the target of a deadly shot while observing a demonstration from the top of a hill. He then committed “no violence” against the police, who had posted agents on the roof of a nearby building.
The “Indigenous and peasant communities”, which play an important role in the demonstrations, seem to have been particularly targeted by the violence, notes Amnesty International, which evokes a form of institutional racism.
“Climate of impunity”
The current situation is aggravated, according to the organization, by the fact that judicial authorities are slow to investigate allegations of human rights violations to identify those responsible.
“Delaying and neglecting this crucial work contributes to creating a climate of impunity that only fosters such acts,” said Marina Navarro, executive director of Amnesty International Peru, in the report.
Stéphanie Rousseau, a professor of political science attached to the Catholic University of Peru, in Lima, notes that the abuses denounced by the organization are likely to further undermine the credibility of Dina Boluarte with the population.
PHOTO MARTIN MEJIA, ASSOCIATED PRESS ARCHIVES
Peruvian President Dina Boluarte
The former vice-president refuses to resign while repeating that she is sensitive to the demands of the demonstrators regarding the holding of new elections.
“The more time passes, the more it becomes clear that his game is first and foremost a game of personal survival”, notes Mme Rousseau.
The elected members of Congress who refuse the holding of early elections in 2023 are just as “opportunistic” and seek to protect their personal interests or private interests rather than to act in such a way as to promote the unblocking of the crisis.
“Catastrophic” legacy
Many demonstrators initially demanded the return to office of Pedro Castillo, but these calls are now less pressing, the return to the polls imposing itself as the priority question, says Mme Rousseau.
Mr. Castillo, notes the professor, left a “catastrophic” legacy to the country. The tenure of the ex-teacher and trade unionist, who had little political experience before being named president, has been plagued by multiple allegations of corruption and an ill-advised succession of appointments that fizzled out.
His modest origins, however, contributed to ensuring his popularity with a part of the underprivileged population who recognized themselves in him.
Her task, notes the professor, was complicated as soon as she came to power by the opposition of the party of Keiko Fujimori, daughter of ex-dictator Alberto Fujimori.
PHOTO IVAN FLORES, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE ARCHIVES
Passers-by observe posters bearing the image of Peruvians killed during demonstrations, in Túpac Amaru square, in Cuzco.
The politician first tried to overturn the result of the presidential election by alleging that her opponent had taken advantage of a fraudulent vote, fueling a crisis that has largely contributed to the current polarization in the country.
Mme Rousseau thinks that the holding of new elections remains the only scenario that can quickly bring calm to Peru.
There is no guarantee, however, that the lull would be long-lasting since the emergence of candidates likely to reach a consensus and lay the foundations for a lasting government seems to be “on the order of a miracle” in the current context.
The problems affecting the Peruvian political system had contributed in 2020 to the rapid appointment of three presidents. The last was a respected intellectual, Francisco Sagasti, who held the helm until Pedro Castillo was elected in 2021.