Peruvian President Dina Boluarte and her administration could be held criminally liable for the deaths and injuries stemming from anti-government protests at the start of her presidency in 2022, according to a recent report by Amnesty International. The protests erupted in December 2022 after the removal and arrest of former president Pedro Castillo, leading to Boluarte’s ascension. Protesters demanded her resignation and early elections in various regions, including Puno.
The unrest led Peru’s Ombudsman’s Office to emphasize the importance of peaceful protest and highlight the legal parameters within which protests must occur. Violent actions such as occupying airports and assaulting law enforcement were explicitly condemned. Nonetheless, certain individuals maintained peace, while others engaged in violent behavior, including an instance where a dairy factory in Arequipa was set ablaze by protesters.
Reports have indicated that police responded with significant force, resulting in numerous civilian casualties and injuries. The Amnesty International report documents that between December 2022 and March 2023, 50 civilians and one police officer lost their lives, and over 1,400 people were injured. Despite claiming no direct contact with military and police commanders, the report suggests Boluarte had opportunities to change repressive tactics but did not act on them.
The Boluarte administration has publicly dismissed the report through Gustavo Adrianzén, President of the Council of Ministers, who stated that the Peruvian government does not respond to non-governmental organizations. The full content of the Amnesty International report is available here.
Read more about potential criminal responsibility in relation to protest deaths and injuries in the full article on JURIST here.