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The Peruvian Congress approved Wednesday an amnesty law for members of the Armed Forces, the National Police, and self-defense committees over the age of 80 who were prosecuted or convicted for crimes committed during Peru’s internal armed conflict, despite continuing concern from human rights groups.
Committee President Fernando Rospigliosi stated that the law is not about impunity, but rather a historical and humanitarian necessity:
The report held state agents responsible for 30 percent of killings, while self-defense committees, paramilitary groups, and other non-state actors are accountable for an estimated 24 percent. Some of these non-state actors were linked to the administration of former President Alberto Fujimori, who was tried for crimes against humanity committed by subordinates under his administration. The state was also implicated in over 4,500 enforced disappearances, more than 6,400 cases of torture and inhumane treatment, and 83 percent of documented sexual violence cases.
International organizations such as Amnesty International have consistently expressed concern over the implementation of an amnesty law. Alongside the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, they argue that such measures are “manifestly incompatible” with the letter and spirit of the American Convention on Human Rights. Nevertheless, the working group convened by the Constitution Committee, composed of Peruvians who experienced the conflict firsthand, strongly defends the proposal.
Supporters argue the law protects the right to fair and timely process, one long denied to elderly veterans who now spend their final years burdened by endless prosecutions. Many, they claim, were convicted without clear evidence at a time when military and police forces lacked legal defense while fighting to defend the nation from terrorism. Now in poor health and advanced age, they relive the trauma of a war they helped end.
“We are being prosecuted for having fought to restore peace in our country,” said Colonel Juan Partida of the National Police. Captain Sixto Jesús Hugas of the National Police added, “For the sunset of those who fought against terrorism, it is essential that this bill is approved”.
As international organizations have not yet issued a statement regarding the implementation of the new law, pressure remains limited to members of Congress with strong opposing views. For now, it appears that the legislature will uphold the law.
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Committee President Fernando Rospigliosi stated that the law is not about impunity, but rather a historical and humanitarian necessity:
According to Peru’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission (CVR), the armed conflict began with a “People’s War” led by the Marxist-Leninist party Shining Path (PCP-SL), rooted in marginalized rural and urban areas. Their so-called “revolutionary violence” created a period of terror resulting in over 69,000 deaths. The CVR attributed approximately 30,000 of them to Abimael Guzmán, the leader of Shining Path.
The report held state agents responsible for 30 percent of killings, while self-defense committees, paramilitary groups, and other non-state actors are accountable for an estimated 24 percent. Some of these non-state actors were linked to the administration of former President Alberto Fujimori, who was tried for crimes against humanity committed by subordinates under his administration. The state was also implicated in over 4,500 enforced disappearances, more than 6,400 cases of torture and inhumane treatment, and 83 percent of documented sexual violence cases.
International organizations such as Amnesty International have consistently expressed concern over the implementation of an amnesty law. Alongside the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, they argue that such measures are “manifestly incompatible” with the letter and spirit of the American Convention on Human Rights. Nevertheless, the working group convened by the Constitution Committee, composed of Peruvians who experienced the conflict firsthand, strongly defends the proposal.
Supporters argue the law protects the right to fair and timely process, one long denied to elderly veterans who now spend their final years burdened by endless prosecutions. Many, they claim, were convicted without clear evidence at a time when military and police forces lacked legal defense while fighting to defend the nation from terrorism. Now in poor health and advanced age, they relive the trauma of a war they helped end.
“We are being prosecuted for having fought to restore peace in our country,” said Colonel Juan Partida of the National Police. Captain Sixto Jesús Hugas of the National Police added, “For the sunset of those who fought against terrorism, it is essential that this bill is approved”.
As international organizations have not yet issued a statement regarding the implementation of the new law, pressure remains limited to members of Congress with strong opposing views. For now, it appears that the legislature will uphold the law.
The post Peruvian Congress approves amnesty for police and military accused of human rights violations appeared first on JURIST - News.
Continue reading...
Note: We don't have any responsibilities about this news. Its been posted here by Feed Reader and we had no controls and checking on it. And because News posted here will be deleted automatically after 21 days, threads are closed so that no one spend time to post and discuss here. You can always check the source and discuss in their site.