Peru's Controversial Amnesty Law Draws Global Outcry

Peru's president has enacted a controversial amnesty law benefiting military personnel and civilians accused of crimes during a decades-long conflict. The law has triggered backlash from human rights advocates and international organizations, questioning accountability and justice for victims.

Peruvian President Dina Boluarte has signed into law a contentious amnesty measure that pardons military personnel, police officers, and civilian militias accused of committing atrocities during the country's prolonged armed conflict against Maoist factions. Enacted despite an Inter-American Court of Human Rights directive calling for suspension until further review, this law encompasses those implicated in crimes between 1980 and 2000, potentially benefiting hundreds of individuals, some of whom have been sentenced or are currently on trial.

Boluarte, who made history as Peru's first female president after her election in 2022, defended the law as a tribute to the forces she claims defended democracy and countered terrorism. Her administration argues that the law represents a necessary acknowledgment of the sacrifices made by security forces during a conflict that, according to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), resulted in around 70,000 fatalities and over 20,000 disappearances.

However, the legislation has drawn fierce condemnation from human rights groups. Juanita Goebertus, the Americas director for Human Rights Watch, criticized the law as a "betrayal of Peruvian victims," claiming it undermines years of progress aimed at ensuring accountability for past atrocities. Amidst increasing scrutiny, prominent organizations, including the United Nations and Amnesty International, have urged Boluarte to reject the bill, arguing it contravenes Peru’s obligations to investigate and prosecute serious violations such as extrajudicial killings, torture, and sexual violence.

The TRC's findings revealed that state forces were behind 83% of reported cases of sexual violence during the conflict, further complicating the legal and moral implications of the amnesty. Additionally, last year Peru implemented a statute of limitations for crimes against humanity prior to 2002, effectively closing off numerous investigations into alleged wartime abuses. This legislative backdrop has raised concerns among observers about the implications for justice, particularly following the controversial release of former president Alberto Fujimori, who himself faced accountability for serious crimes stemming from the conflict.