US: Democratic congressmen ask to limit security aid to Peru due to crackdown on protests

A group of US Democratic lawmakers and various human rights organizations from that country demanded a president on Monday. Joe Biden Suspend security assistance to Peru “immediately” until the violent crackdown on protests against the government of Dina Boluarte ceases.

A document signed by 20 congressmen requests that this assistance be paralyzed until the Peruvian authorities investigate human rights crimes committed during the demonstrations and bring those responsible to justice.

Lawmakers including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Raul Grijalva and Nanette Barragan draw attention to human rights violations committed by security forces Peruvian state in response to nationwide demonstrations with indiscriminate violence and constant use of force in recent weeks.

In this regard, they ask the President Joe Biden publicly denounce these human rights violations and pressure the Peruvian government to defend the right to peaceful protest and due process.

“We are asking your administration to temporarily suspend all security assistance funds. United States of America government of Peru until your administration confirms to members of Congress that this pattern of repression is over and that the Peruvian authorities are taking effective steps to ensure justice and accountability on behalf of victims and survivors,” they said.

They condemn the actions of the security forces

The signatories note that Peruvian security forces have responded to peaceful protests with arbitrary and disproportionate use of force, citing as an example the police intervention at the National University of the Mayor of San Marcos on January 22, which they considered an unprecedented act. in the recent history of democratic Peru.

However, they also indicated that there were protesters involved in the violent actions, but specified that the government was responsible for this. Dina Boluarte distinguish criminals from peaceful demonstrators.

Letter to Biden with copy to Secretary of State Anthony BlinkenDepartment of Defense Lloyd Austin and US Ambassador to Peru Lisa Kenna also report statements from that country’s government officials supporting executive Dina Boluarte. In their opinion, calls for “peace on all fronts” only create an ambiguous message in the face of the situation in Peru.

“The US government can and should do more. We believe that the actions we propose will send a strong signal in support of fundamental rights and help advance effective commitment to a political solution,” they concluded.

This document has received support from human rights organizations such as the Center for Economic Policy and Research (CEPR) or Amazon Watch.

social crisis

The crisis began on December 7 after the failed coup d’état of the then President Pedro Castillowho was arrested after trying to dissolve the Congress, form an emergency government and open the founding process.

Since then, there have been a series of mobilizations against the government of Dina Boluarte and the Congress, which have been taking place in the capital since 19 January.

Protests and demonstrations against the executive power these days were concentrated in lima fence.

The demonstrators demand the resignation of President Dina Boluarte, as well as the departure of congressmen and the appointment of a general election.

The last-day protests in the capital come after weeks of demonstrations in various regions of the country, starting from the second week of December 2022.

So far, the death toll in this social crisis in the country is 58 people.