Peru: Human rights defenders’ lives threatened
On 4 and 8 October, Peruvian human rights defenders Rosario Huayanca Zapata and Father José Manuel Miranda Azpiroz received a series of death threats. The police have not offered them protection and their lives might be at risk.
UA: 310/12 Index: AMR 46/007/2012 Peru Date: 16 October 2012
URGENT ACTION
HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS’ LIVES THREATENED
On 4 and 8 October, Peruvian human rights defenders Rosario Huayanca Zapata and
Father José Manuel Miranda Azpiroz received a series of death threats. The police have
not offered them protection and their lives might be at risk.
On 4 October, the brother of Rosario Huayanca Zapata received a phone call. An unknown man reportedly asked
to speak to Rosario Huayanca Zapata. When he was told that she did not live there he responded, “Tell Rosario
Huayanca Zapata that death called her” (“dígale a Rosario Hyuayanca Zapata que llamó la muerte”) and hung up.
On the same day, the security guard at the office of the Human Rights Committee (Comité de Derechos Humanos,
CODEH) in Ica region, Peru, found an envelope under a bench in the office’s waiting area. The envelope was
addressed to Rosario Huayanca Zapata and Father José Manuel Miranda Azpiroz. Inside were four bullets and
the following message: “This is just a message, the next one will be directed to your bodies, and also for the Father
[referring to José Manuel Miranda]: US$30,000 or you are dead” (“este es un aviso la prosima (sic) va al cuerpo, I
(sic) también para el padre $30, mil (sic) ote (sic) mueres”).
On 8 October other relatives of Rosario Huayanca Zapata – including her brother – received further phone calls.
During one call, a man wanting to speak to her said, “There is a price on her head and she will be killed” (“su
cabeza esta comprada y la van a matar”).
Rosario Huayanca Zapata and Father José Manuel Miranda Azpiroz believe that the threats are linked to their
human rights work with the Human Rights Committee. They reported the threats to the police and an investigation
appears to have been opened. However, the police have refused to offer them protection as they were unable to
identify the person responsible for the threats.
Please write immediately in Spanish or your own language:
Expressing concern that Rosario Huayanca Zapata and Father José Manuel Miranda Azpiroz have
received death threats and that the threats appear to be linked to their human rights work;
Urging the authorities to ensure that the perpetrators of these threats are brought to justice and that
Rosario Huayanca Zapata and Father José Manuel Miranda Azpiroz receive adequate protection in accordance
with their wishes;
Reminding the authorities that human rights defenders have a right to carry out their activities without any
unfair restrictions or fear of reprisals, as set out in the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders.
PLEASE SEND APPEALS BEFORE 27 NOVEMBER 2012 TO:
Minister of the Interior
Ministro del Interior
Dr. Wilfredo Pedraza Sierra
Plaza 30 de Agosto s/n Urb. Corpac –
San Isidro, Lima, Peru
Fax: + 00 51 1 225 9928 (if a voice
answers, ask “¿Me puede dar tono de
fax, por favor?”)
Email: dm@mininter.gob.pe
Salutation: Dear Minister/Sr. Ministro
Attorney General
Fiscal de la Nación
Dr. José Antonio Peláez Bardales
Av. Abancay cdra. 5 s/n, Lima, Peru
Fax: + 00 51 1 426 2800
Email: ministeriopublico@mpfn.gob.pe
Salutation: Dear Attorney General/
Sr. Fiscal de la Nación
And copies to:
Human Rights Coordinating Body
Coordinadora Nacional de Derechos
Humanos
Calle Pezet y Monel 2467 (ex-Tupac
Amaru), Lince, Lima 14, Perú.
Fax: + 511 419 1112
Also send copies to diplomatic representatives accredited to your country.
Please check with your section office if sending appeals after the above date.
URGENT ACTION
HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS’ LIVES THREATENED
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Amnesty International is concerned about abuses against human rights defenders. Human rights defenders are fundamental
actors for the advancement of human rights for all. They work on a range of issues in diverse ways and capacities in pursuit of
justice, dignity and human rights for all. Whatever the particular focus of human rights defenders’ work, they are entitled to the
full recognition, respect and protection of their rights. The State has the responsibility to take all necessary measures to protect
them as set out in the 1998 UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders.
Name: Rosario Huayanca Zapata (f), Father José Manuel Miranda Azpiroz (m)
Gender m/f: both
UA: 310/12 Index: AMR 46/007/2012 Issue Date: 16 October 2012