A momentous decision. The Justice and Human Rights Commission of the Chamber of Deputies, chaired by Catherine Palomino, has approved the repeal of the first two “pro-crime” laws—Law No. 32130 and Law No. 32735—as demanded by the public. Various civil society groups that spearheaded the push for repeal celebrated the congressional decision; however, the final repeal process must still be completed in the Senate.
Law No. 32130, which is set to be repealed, concerns preliminary investigations—a responsibility that previously rested with the Public Prosecutor’s Office but was later transferred to the National Police. Law No. 32735 concerns “crimes committed in the line of duty” and the use of military-police jurisdiction for such cases, rather than the ordinary judicial process.
“There are still 11 other pro-crime laws to be repealed, and the repeal process for these two must be finalized. We have agreed to continue working together toward the repeal of all such pro-crime laws, as well as the development of a new legal framework for an effective fight against crime and for judicial reform,” stated Grimaldo Ríos, a representative for the organizations advocating for the repeals.
A Joint Effort by Civil Society
The repeal of these pro-crime laws is a persistent demand from the Peruvian public, as these measures have weakened the legal framework designed to combat organized crime. Thus, the following organizations worked toward its repeal: the Lima Bar Association (CAL), the Citizens’ Platform for Life and Security, the Historic Citizens’ Agreement (AHC), the Platform for Democracy, the National Human Rights Coordinator, the citizens’ group Concentración Perú, the Democratic Unity Collective, and various associations participating within these groups—including business owners from Gamarra, transport operators, motorcycle-taxi drivers, university students, and scholarship recipients, among others.
A Blow to the Chamber of Deputies
As the public was receiving this significant news, the full Senate—earlier that morning—voted to grant the legislative powers requested by the Executive branch. The Executive had added seven more topics to the 20 already approved by the Chamber of Deputies.
“I believe the government did not need anything further to address the El Niño phenomenon and crime. It has insisted so strongly on obtaining these powers that it now puts various citizens’ rights at risk—especially with these last seven additions. In particular, granting greater authority to the DINI [National Intelligence Directorate]—effectively turning it into another intelligence service reminiscent of the Montesinos era—will allow for the monitoring and control of any citizen action that dissents from the government,” stated Ríos.
“What is most striking is that this Senate decision effectively deals a blow to the Chamber of Deputies. Ultimately, it will trigger a crisis in institutional relations within Congress. These are troubling signs for society,” he added.
