Peru: Prosecutor initiates preliminary proceedings against Merino, Flores-Araoz, Rodriguez

Manuel Merino de Lama.

Manuel Merino de Lama.

14:36 | Lima, Nov. 27.

The Public Ministry has ordered the start of preliminary proceedings against the former President of the Republic Manuel Merino, former Prime Minister Antero Flores-Araoz, and former Interior Minister Gaston Rodriguez for the deaths of two young citizens, as well as the injuries caused to people, and the disappearance of persons during the social protests held two weeks ago.

Merino, Flores-Araoz, and Rodriguez are investigated for the alleged crimes of abuse of authority to the detriment of the Peruvian State, intentional homicide against Inti Sotelo and Jack Pintado, as well as serious and minor injuries, and forced disappearance of citizens to be identified.

These crimes were committed in the context of human rights violations, according to the prosecutorial document.

In addition, the Attorney General's Office deemed the investigation as "complex" and provided a period of eight months for conducting the inquiries.

On November 16, Attorney General Zoraida Avalos announced the launch of a preliminary investigation against Manuel Merino de Lama, Antero Flores-Araoz, and Gaston Rodriguez for acts of violence witnessed during the citizen demonstrations.

"I can assure you that these deaths will not remain unpunished," Avalos stated on the occasion.

Deaths

As is known,

two young men died as a result of pellet shots to their bodies during the protests held in Lima on November 14. In addition, there were several injured and missing people.

The first fatality was 22-year-old Jack Bryan Pintado Sanchez, who suffered gunshot wounds.

The second one, Inti Sotelo Camargo —aged 24 years— was admitted to a hospital with gunshot wounds to the chest at heart level.

It must be noted that those demonstrations prompted the resignation of Manuel Merino from the Presidency of the Republic on November 15.

(END) RMCH/FHG/MVB

Published: 11/27/2020

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