Peru: Investigate Killings, Injuries During Protests

Peru’s civilian authorities should conduct prompt, thorough, and independent investigations into at least 21 killings of protesters, allegations of excessive use of force by security forces, and acts of violence by some protesters, Human Rights Watch said today.

Then-president Pedro Castillo triggered the current crisis on December 7, 2022 by announcing he would temporarily dissolve Congress and restructure the judiciary, in what was effectively an attempted coup. In response, Congress removed Castillo, and Vice President Dina Boluarte assumed the presidency. Thousands of protesters have taken to the streets calling for early elections.

“The violence committed during the protests needs to be investigated, but does not justify any excessive use of force by security forces, which may endanger people’s health and lives,” said Juanita Goebertus, Americas director at Human Rights Watch. “Peruvian authorities should prioritize dialogue and respect for human rights as they seek a solution to the country’s ongoing political crisis.”

The Ombudsperson’s Office has reported at least 21 killings, including four of children, during protests since December 7. The Health Ministry confirmed that firearms killed five of the victims, another one died from internal bleeding and another person from head trauma.

The Health Ministry said at least another 12 were “likely” killed by firearms, pending autopsy results. Among them are nine people who died in an area of Ayacucho where military personnel armed with assault rifles were deployed. The armed forces said a patrol used “force,” without specifying what form the forcible response took, in response to what authorities described as an attack by “a mob” armed with homemade weapons and other objects.

The Ombudsperson’s Office reported that 356 demonstrators and 290 police officers had been injured as of December 18. The Health Ministry said 38 people remained hospitalized as of December 20, including eight in serious condition – one of them died after the report was issued, becoming the 21st victim. There have been no public reports of injuries among armed forces personnel.

Agencies