Amnesty International deeply regrets the death of Eduardo Mauricio Ruiz Sanz (32) from a gunshot wound, according to the Public Prosecutor’s Office, in the context of the social mobilizations held yesterday in Lima. We urge the authorities to carry out thorough and impartial investigations to identify and punish those responsible, in accordance with international human rights standards.
Amnesty International further regrets that dozens of people, including protesters, bystanders and police, have been injured in the context of the state repression of the demonstrations, and categorically rejects the disproportionate use of force by the police and all acts of violence.
We also express our rejection of the attacks against the press. Peru’s National Association of Journalists (ANP) reported 11 attacks on journalists covering the protests in the capital, six of whom were reportedly injured by pellets. This could constitute a worrying pattern of unlawful use of state force against the press, who play an important role in covering such protests.
Amnesty International has been able to verify that police officers fired pellets, used tear gas, and beat or violently repressed people unnecessarily and disproportionately, violating international human rights standards. Likewise, outbreaks of violence in which protesters allegedly clashed with law enforcement officers reinforce the need for the state to adopt response protocols that prioritize prevention, mediation and the protection of rights.
We would like to reiterate that a protest does not lose its peaceful nature because of isolated incidents or violent behavior by individuals. It is therefore the role of law enforcement to identify and respond specifically to any such incidents, while continuing to guarantee and protect the human rights of peaceful protesters.
In light of the current social and political crisis facing the country, we urge the authorities to listen to the demands of the population, rather than delegitimizing them through stigmatizing rhetoric. The right to peaceful protest must be guaranteed without any limitations, and the repression of social demonstrations must stop.
In light of the current social and political crisis facing the country, we urge the authorities to listen to the demands of the population, rather than delegitimizing them through stigmatizing rhetoric.
Amnesty International continues to analyse the human rights situation throughout the country, monitoring the social mobilizations and deploying teams of observers.
For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact press@amnesty.org
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