Peruvian President Dina Boralto signed the law on Wednesday and signed a bill that would grant pardon to civilian Self-Defense Force members who participated in counterterrorism efforts during a bloody 20-year battle with police officers, military personnel and left-wing guerrilla groups.
The pardon covers security forces members who have been accused of abuse during that period but have already been found guilty or who have been accused of terrorism or public corruption.
Between 1980 and 2000, Peruvian security forces were engaged in battles with rebel groups, including the Tupac Amaru Revolutionary Movement, which killed an estimated 69,000 people, between 1980 and 2000, according to the Peruvian Truth Committee.
In addition to those killed, many people disappeared.
The pardon has been opposed by several human rights groups who argue that it undermines efforts to bring accountability for the atrocities committed during that time. Some lawmakers opposed the passage of the law in Congress.
The pardon also applies to people over the age of 70 who are already in prison, unless they are convicted of terrorism or public corruption.
Currently, more than 1,000 people have been indicted or investigated for participation in the fight against terrorism, according to the official newspaper El Peruano.
During the signing ceremony, Bolalto said the new law would benefit those who defended the country from terrorist groups.
“Let’s make this pardon a message of peace rather than division. Turn the page and it’s time to close the malicious, bloody chapters that terrorism represents,” the president said.
Justice Minister Enrique Alcantara defended the new law and rejected the idea that it promotes immunity.
“This law calls for justice and is based on the principles set out in our Peruvian Constitution and the Inter-American Treaty on Human Rights. Everyone has the right to resolve the legal situation in a reasonable amount of time,” he said.
However, Human Rights Watch said the new law is “betrayal” for victims of abuse.
“(The law) undermines decades of efforts to ensure accountability for atrocities and further weaken the country’s rule of law,” said Juanita Goebertus, American director at Human Rights Watch.
