Estinaldo Quispe Mego

Peru: Human rights defender Estinaldo Quispe Mego releasedposted on: 2012/02/03

Estinaldo Quispe Mego was released from prison on 4 October 2011 after it was declared that he should not spend another day incarcerated as he had acted within the legal framework of Article 149 of the Peruvian Constitution relating to Indigenous Communities.

The article states that Rondas Campesinas are entitled to intervene in conflicts and exercise judicial functions.

For further information, please see the original Front Line Defenders appeal dated 30 August 2011.

Peru

Peru: Ongoing death threats against imprisoned human rights defender Estinaldo Quispe Mego, whose access to vital medication is further deniedposted on: 2011/08/30

On 6 July and 19 August 2011, human rights defender Mr Estinaldo Quispe Mego was found guilty and sentenced to two four-year prison terms charged with two counts of usurping public office in connection with two separate boundary disputes in which he acted as intermediary. Since his imprisonment on 6 July, Estinaldo Quispe Mego has received death threats from other prisoners, and his access to medication for his diabetes has been denied.

Further Information

Estinaldo Quispe Mego is President of the Federación de Rondas Campesinas de Santa Cruz (Federation of Peasant Rounds of Santa Cruz). He advocates for the rights of communities affected by a mining project in Cabecara de Cuenca which is being conducted by Zanja Mining Company. The project is believed to threaten the economic, social, and environmental rights of the communities.

On 19 August 2011, Estinaldo Quispe Mego was sentenced by Judge Luis Enrique Alvarez Sáenz, who presides over the judicial district of Santa Cruz, in relation to charges of 'usurping public office' stemming from his intervention in a boundary dispute.