Peruvian Human Rights Lawyer Attacked
LCHR Urges Action

In an effort to intimidate human rights activists, a small group believed to be supporters of ex-President Alberto Fujimori surrounded and attacked human rights lawyer Licda. Gloria Cano outside of the offices of the Asociación Pro Derechos Humanos (APRODEH) in Lima, Peru. Licda. Gloria Cano is a well known and internationally respected human rights lawyer who has represented many victims of human right violations committed during the Fujimori regime. APRODEH is a highly esteemed human rights organization which has often been the target of threats throughout its more than twenty years of existence.

On Feb. 7, the Lawyers Committee wrote a letter to Peruvian President Dr. Alejandro Toledo and Minister of Justice Dr. Fausto Alvarado Dodero urging that they provide protection for human rights defenders and undertake a full investigation into the incident.

The letter reads:

“Those behind the threats and assault appear determined to hinder APRODEH’s work to seek accountability for human rights violations committed under the Fujimori government. The ability of victims of human rights violations to seek justice and reparation is vital for the healing and rehabilitation not only of the victims themselves but also of society at large. The damage done where impunity is allowed to persist has been recognized as a serious threat to human rights, and international human rights standards provide for the need to combat impunity …. We urge you to take the necessary measures to ensure that these human rights defenders can operate free from threats and attacks, that there is a full and impartial investigation into the reported assault, and that the perpetrators are brought to justice.”

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