Citizen Insecurity and the Judicial Crisis in Peru

Flashcards covering the crisis of citizen insecurity, historical judicial context, and political proposals regarding the death penalty in Peru.

Citizen insecurity

A national political problem in Peru characterized by an increase in robberies, violence, and delinquency since approximately 2015.

Sicariato (Contract killing)

A criminal activity that has increased massively in Peru by $300\%$ according to the Fiscalía del Perú (2024).

Cuellos Blancos del Puerto

A corruption case involving charges against judges and prosecutors in Peru that has reinforced the public sensation of impunty and judicial failure.

IPSOS Perú (2024)

A source indicating that public rejection of government management exceeds $60\%$ and shows high disapproval of the Judiciary and Congress.

Mano dura (Hard hand)

A governance approach favored by $62\%$ of the citizenry that prioritizes harsh combat against crime even at the risk of affecting innocent people.

American Convention on Human Rights

Also known as the Pact of San José, approved on November 22, 1969, for the international protection of human rights and the prohibition of the death penalty.

Article 4 of the American Convention

The provision protecting the right to life which limits the death penalty, prohibits its re-establishment, and bans it for those under 18, over 70, or pregnant women.

July 28, 1978

The date on which Peru ratified its commitment to the American Convention on Human Rights, becoming strictly bound by it internationally.

Period of the internal armed conflict

A chaotic era in Peru between 1970 and 1990, also called the 'Period of political violence,' resulting in approximately $70,000$ deaths due to terrorism and military repression.

Fernando Belaúnde Terry

A President of the Republic responsible for granting absolute control to the military to resolve the internal crisis.

Alan García Pérez

A President of the Republic who designated death squads linked to the Ministry of the Interior during the period of political violence.

Keiko Fujimori

Candidate for the Fuerza Popular party in 2026 who expressed a firm stance on withdrawing from the Pact of San José to apply severe punitive reforms.

Penal populism (Populismo penal)

A phenomenon where political candidates exploit fear and lack of technical knowledge to propose capital solutions in exchange for votes.

International consequences of treaty withdrawal

Potential impacts including loss of non-reimbursable financing, international isolation, loss of Human Rights status, and impact on investments and trade.

Truth and Reconciliation Commission (CVR)

An entity that provided reports on Peru's crisis of insecurity, institutional distrust, and the historical debate over human rights.