Peru - August 2025

On 13 August, a law entered into force through which amnesty will be granted to members of the security agencies on trial for human rights violations committed in the context of the internal armed conflict (1980-2000). The amnesty applies to members of the armed forces, national police, self-defense committees and to public officials under investigation without a final conviction. It also applies to those convicted over the age of 70 years on ‘humanitarian’ grounds. CSOs estimate that up to 600 people on trial and over a hundred who have been sentenced could benefit from the amnesty. Proponents of the bill have argued that those who defended the country from terrorism should not be subjected to decades-long investigation and trials. Human rights experts have condemned the bill, as amnesty for gross human rights violations is contrary to international law and standards and denies victims and their families access to justice and truth.

Sources: Diario El Peruano, OHCHR (1), OHCHR (2), El Comercio, CEJIL, El Pais, BBC

On 19 August, the Constitutional Tribunal ruled that investigations into President Dina Boluarte should be suspended until the end of her tenure in 2026. The Tribunal reasoned that inquiries into cases not considered in Article 117 of the Constitution, which establishes the cases in which members of the executive can be accused during their tenure (such as treason, preventing elections, or dissolving Congress) should be limited to taking a statement, information requests and presentation of supporting documentation. The Tribunal, however, reiterated that the process can continue after the end of her tenure. Critics argue that the ruling undermines accountability and anti-corruption efforts.

Sources: La Republica, El Comercio, Infobae, El Pais