Peru's president, Dina Boluarte, has signed into law a controversial amnesty bill that benefits military personnel, police, and civilian militias accused of human rights violations during the country’s prolonged conflict with Maoist rebels. This legislation, passed by Congress in July, addresses crimes committed between 1980 and 2000 but has faced backlash for overshadowing victim justice. Despite the Inter-American Court of Human Rights urging to pause the bill for review, Boluarte asserts it honors those who fought against terrorism and preserved democracy.
The years of conflict between the Shining Path and Tupac Amaru groups resulted in around 70,000 fatalities and over 20,000 disappearances, according to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Human rights advocates are alarmed; organizations like Human Rights Watch criticize the law as a betrayal to victims, hindering efforts for accountability surrounding heinous acts like extrajudicial killings and torture.
Additionally, the legislation could affect more than 600 ongoing trials and potentially overturn 156 convictions involving serious human rights abuses. This comes off the heels of a statute of limitations for crimes against humanity enacted last year, further complicating the pursuit of justice.
In separate news, Boluarte’s predecessor, Martin Vizcarra, is facing detention due to corruption allegations, adding to a growing list of jailed former presidents in Peru. As these developments unfold, the balance between justice for victims and honoring historical actions continues to spark significant debate.
