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Peru Weighs Up to 10-Year Prison Terms for Masked Participation in Violent Protests

The Justice and Human Rights Commission is reviewing the proposal after its formal presentation this week.

Overview

  • Congresswoman Elizabeth Medina of Somos Perú introduced the bill to amend Penal Code articles 315 and 452.
  • The draft adds an aggravating factor that would set prison terms at eight to ten years with fines of 365 to 500 days for hiding one’s identity during disturbances.
  • The proposal creates non-custodial penalties of 20 to 40 days of community service or fines up to 90 days for those who bring or authorize minors or people with disabilities to violent protests.
  • Its justification cites violent demonstrations in October 2025 and December 2022 and references foreign laws, including Canada’s 2013 statute allowing penalties up to 10 years for masking during riots.
  • Legal scholars are questioning the measure’s constitutionality, and the bill would move to the Plenary with a simple-majority vote if the committee issues a favorable report.