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Peru: Update – Acquittal of human rights defender Mr Jhon Kennedy Vega Carrascalposted on: 2012/09/19

On 18 September 2012, human rights defender Mr Jhon Kennedy Vega Carrascal was acquitted of charges of aggravated violence against a public authority.

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: 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.

Peru: Harassment and intimidation of human rights defender Ms Benicia Chinchay Mulatilloposted on: 2011/05/31

Human rights defender Ms Benicia Chinchay Mulatillo is being subjected to ongoing intimidation and harassment near her home in Santa Rosa de Suyo, Peru, by men who were allegedly involved in her husband's killing. Benicia Chichay Mulatillo is a member of the Asociación Comunidad Campesina de Santa Rosa de Suyo (Community Association of Agricultural workers in Santa Rosa de Suyo), a group that is concerned with environmental issues and develops and facilitates initiatives that protect and maintain the environment in the region.

Peru: Death threats against human rights defenders, members of APRODEHposted on: 2009/04/10

Front Line is concerned following reports of a death threat received, on 6 April 2009, by members of the Asociación Pro Derechos Humanos - APRODEH (Association for the Protection of Human Rights) and in particular Mr Francisco Soberón, director of APRODEH, Mr Carlos Rivera, Mr Ronald Gamarra and Ms Gloria Cano, human rights lawyers involved in the trial of former President Alberto Fujimori. They provided legal representation to families of victims of human rights violations committed during the presidency of Alberto Fujimori, for which he has recently been sentenced to 25 years in prison.

Peru: Death threat received by human rights defender Gloria Cano Leguaposted on: 2008/01/09

Front Line is concerned following a death threat received, on 18 December 2007, by members of the Asociación Pro Derechos Humanos - APRODEH (Association for the Protection of Human Rights) and in particular Gloria Cano Legua, a human rights lawyer with APRODEH. She is currently representing victims of human rights violations committed during the presidency of Alberto Fujimori, for which he is currently on trial.

Peru: Threats against human rights defender Robert Guimaraes Vásquezposted on: 2007/11/14

Front Line is deeply concerned for the safety of the human rights defender Robert Guimaraes Vásquez, as he has received a number of death threats and recently was victim to a robbery. Robert Guimaraes Vásquez is an indigenous Pekon Sani leader and environmental activist working in the Amazonian region of Ucayali. He is currently Vice-President of the Asociación Interétnica de Desarrollo de la Selva Peruana – AIDESEP (Interethnic Development Association of Peru).