AI is concerned that Peru’s criminal laws aimed at controlling terrorism-related crimes continue to fall short of international human rights standards. Despite positive but limited amendments to the anti-terrorism laws passed by the Democratic Constituent Congress between 1993-5, thousands of prisoners detained and tried since May 1992 for terrorism-related crimes have been denied the right to a fair trial. The laws also provide a framework which facilitates the imprisonment of prisoners of conscience. AI urges the Government of Peru to review its anti-terrorism laws and to release prisoners of conscience immediately and unconditionally. It also condemns human rights abuses by armed opposition groups and urges them to fully respect and abide by international human rights standards.
