Peru - September 2024

A chamber of the National Specialized Criminal Court convicted Alberto Rivero Valdeavellano, who in 1984 acted as chief of military command in Huanta, of crimes tantamount to crimes against humanity, committed in the context of Peru’s internal armed conflict (1980-2000). The chamber determined his responsibility as direct perpetrator of the enforced disappearance of journalist Jaime Ayala and 45 other people, including peasants from the Culluchaca community. He was also found responsible as indirect perpetrator of the murder of 17 people. Rivero was sentenced to 18 years imprisonment. The resolution regarding Augusto Gabilondo García del Barco, another former official charged in the same case is pending, as he is a fugitive. In an exercise of constitutional control, in García del Barco’s case, the chamber disapplied recently enacted legislation that introduced a statute of limitations on crimes against humanity, considering it is contrary to the constitution and Peru’s international obligations, upholding the charges against him. The judgment has been appealed.

Sources:  Estado Peruano, La República , APRODEH, Infobae, LatAm Journalism Review, El País,  International IDEA