The president of Peru, In Boluarteproposed this Tuesday the death penalty for people who abuse minors, after the murder of a 12-year-old girl who was allegedly attacked over the weekend in a neighborhood of lima.
A supporter of a tough line against crime, the conservative president stated that “the time” has come too discuss the reestablishment of the capital punishment, which was abolished in 1979 and which for decades was reserved for crimes such as treason and aggravated homicide.
“it is time that in the face of events of this magnitude, which should be inconceivable within a society, we propose drastic measures; “It is time to open the debate on the death penalty for child rapists,” said Boluarte.
During a public ceremony before the Peruvian Air Force, the president expressed her outrage over the murder of a girl whose body was found on Sunday wrapped in blankets and rugs under the bed of the alleged attacker who was detained by the police.
The minor had been reported missing Saturday in the Lima district of Villa María del Triunfo, according to the Ministry of the Interior in a statement.
“We cannot allow guys like these to walk freely in the streets (…) We should not have any type of contemplation with those who dare to touch our boys and girls, who are the moast sacred and untouchable for our Peruvian families,” he emphasized. Boluarte.
The death penalty could only be restored through a constitutional reform approved by Congress. The initiative, however, would clash with international commitments that Peru assumed in defense of human rights and against this type of punishment.
Since 1995, the legislature has sunk at least eight bills seeking to restore the death penalty.
The current regulations provide for life imprisonment for those who abuse minors under 14 years of age.
According to the National Penitentiary institute, 8,491 people are currently serving sentences for this crime.
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Q&A Interview: The Implications of President Boluarte’s Proposal for the Death Penalty in Peru
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today. We have with us Dr. Luis Mendoza,a legal expert in human rights and criminal law,too discuss the recent proposal by President In Boluarte to reinstate the death penalty for those who abuse minors in Peru. Dr. Mendoza, can you provide insight into the context of this proposal?
Dr. Luis Mendoza: Thank you for having me. The recent tragic murder of a 12-year-old girl in Lima has sparked outrage across the nation and has brought the issue of child safety to the forefront of public concern. President Boluarte’s call for the death penalty for child rapists reflects a growing desire among some segments of society for tougher measures against heinous crimes. This proposal, though, ignites a complex debate about justice, human rights, and the effectiveness of capital punishment.
Time.news Editor: Boluarte emphasizes that “the time has come to discuss” this matter. What historical context should we be aware of regarding the death penalty in Peru?
Dr. Luis Mendoza: The death penalty in Peru was abolished in 1979, previously reserved for serious crimes such as treason and aggravated homicide.As then,multiple legislative attempts to restore capital punishment have failed,notably eight bills since 1995. Restoring the death penalty would require a meaningful constitutional reform, which could face hurdles in Congress and contradict Peru’s international commitments to uphold human rights.
Time.news Editor: What reaction do you foresee from the public and lawmakers regarding this proposed initiative?
Dr. Luis Mendoza: There is highly likely to be polarized public opinion. Many people may support tougher penalties as a deterrent against child abuse, fueled by the emotional nature of such recent events. On the other hand, human rights advocates and some lawmakers will fiercely oppose the death penalty, arguing that it does not effectively deter crime and that it risks wrongful executions—which is a serious concern.
Time.news Editor: Given that current regulations allow for life imprisonment for offenders against minors under 14, do you think the government’s focus should shift to strengthening existing laws rather than reintroducing the death penalty?
Dr. Luis Mendoza: Absolutely. There should be an emphasis on enforcing current laws more effectively and enhancing resources for prevention and rehabilitation.Life imprisonment can still serve as a severe deterrent and can be complemented with robust support systems for victims and education campaigns about child protection. It’s crucial to address the root causes of violence and ensure the justice system works efficiently.
Time.news Editor: What advice would you give to readers who might feel helpless in the face of such troubling events?
Dr. Luis Mendoza: Citizens can engage in community advocacy, support local organizations focused on child protection, and remain informed about legislative developments regarding child welfare. Grassroots movements can play a crucial role in instigating change and helping to create a safer surroundings for children. Open dialogues in communities about the importance of protecting minors are also essential.
Time.news Editor: Before we conclude,in your view,what is the most pressing issue regarding President Boluarte’s proposal?
Dr. Luis Mendoza: The most pressing issue is the balance between international human rights commitments and the need for justice. If the death penalty is reinstated, peru risks undermining its standing on the global human rights stage. Policymakers must consider both the immediate emotional response to tragic crimes and the broader implications of such a stance.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr.Mendoza, for sharing your insights. It’s a critical conversation that requires thoughtful consideration from all stakeholders involved.
Dr. Luis Mendoza: Thank you for having me. It’s vital that we continue discussing these issues openly.
Keywords: Peru death penalty, Boluarte proposal, child safety, human rights, legal implications, crime prevention, public opinion.