Peru's Chamber of Deputies Moves to Repeal Controversial Crime Laws

• The Justice and Human Rights Commission of the Peruvian Chamber of Deputies has voted to repeal two laws identified as "pro-crime," Law No. 32130 and Law No. 32735.
• The repeal requires final approval from the Senate to become effective.
• Advocates demand the repeal of 11 additional laws and the creation of a new legal framework for anti-crime efforts and judicial reform.

Targeted Legislation

• Law No. 32130: Transferred responsibility for preliminary investigations from the Public Prosecutor's Office to the National Police.
• Law No. 32735: Allows for the use of military-police jurisdiction instead of the ordinary judicial system for crimes committed while on duty.

Civil Society Mobilization

• A coalition of groups successfully campaigned for the repeal, arguing the existing laws weakened anti-organized crime efforts.
• Involved organizations include:
  • Lima Bar Association (CAL)
  • Citizens’ Platform for Life and Security
  • Historic Citizens’ Agreement (AHC)
  • Platform for Democracy
  • National Human Rights Coordinator
  • Diverse grassroots participants, including student groups, transport operators, and business owners from Gamarra.

Political Context and Executive Power

• The Senate recently granted the Executive branch additional legislative powers, adding seven new topics to the 20 already authorized.
• Activists warn that these powers, specifically regarding the National Intelligence Directorate (DINI), threaten civil liberties by enabling state monitoring of dissent.
• Critics note that the Senate’s decision to grant these powers creates a conflict with the Chamber of Deputies, potentially triggering an institutional crisis.