Peruvian Prime Minister Alberto Otárola declared yesterday Monday in a preliminary prosecutor’s investigation for “genocide”, after the deaths that occurred during the protests. The mobilizations continue more than a month later to demand early elections and the resignation of both President Dina Boluarte and members of Parliament.
The investigation – which began on January 10 and which adds other crimes such as qualified homicide and serious injuries – also includes President Boluarte. The protests have so far left 56 dead and more than 900 injured, according to the Ombudsman’s Office.
Almost all the deceased are civilians. Most received projectiles from a firearm and some of the victims were hit by shots to the head. Due to the rank of those investigated, the investigation is in charge of the Attorney General Patricia Benavides. Genocide is punishable by a minimum sentence of 20 years in prison.