The Working Group "Collective Memories and Practices of Resistance" The Latin American Council of Social Sciences (CLACSO) expresses its rejection of the resolutions and sentences handed down by the Peruvian government in connection with the so-called "Perseus Case." The decision to dissolve the Movement for Amnesty and Fundamental Rights (MOVADEF), founded in 2009, and to sentence 35 of its members on charges of "belonging to a terrorist organization" (the Communist Party of Peru – Shining Path), represents a serious violation of fundamental rights such as freedom of expression, association, and critical thought.

The legal process lasted ten years (2014-2024), during which the defendants faced serious limitations in exercising their right to work and fully participating in society. The sentences imposed ranged from 15 years in prison to life imprisonment. It should be noted that the verdict was not unanimous, as one of the three judges who handed it down expressed his dissent, wanting to acquit the majority.

It is important to emphasize that terrorism ceased to be a current phenomenon in Peru more than three decades ago. Using this argument as a pretext to persecute political dissent, as also occurs in other countries in the region, is not only fallacious but also represents a serious democratic setback. The criminalization of social movements and divergent political positions erodes the basic principles of the rule of law and threatens democratic pluralism.

The right to political reintegration is an essential principle in any democratic system that respects human rights and promotes social reconciliation. The case of many former members of armed groups who now seek to participate in public debate and be part of the national political process underscores the importance of guaranteeing a pluralistic and inclusive system.

Various international figures and organizations have already condemned this sentence, highlighting that these legal actions could be part of a broader pattern of stigmatization and persecution of ideas critical of the government or the prevailing system.

These measures have sparked international alarm due to the serious human rights violations and set a dangerous precedent for the region. However, it is worrying that Peru's main human rights bodies have yet to issue clear and forceful institutional statements regarding this case. This absence underscores the urgency of adopting firm stances in defense of fundamental rights and respect for political diversity.

The CLACSO Working Group calls on human rights organizations, both in Peru and internationally, to speak out and take action in response to this situation.

We reaffirm our commitment to defending democracy, social justice, and human rights in Latin America and the Caribbean. We urge the Peruvian authorities to stop the criminalization of ideas and to promote an environment where political pluralism is a fundamental pillar of democratic coexistence.

January 3, 2025
CLACSO Working Groups
Collective memories and resistance practices

This statement expresses the position of the aforementioned Working Groups and not necessarily that of the centers and institutions that make up the CLACSO international network, its Steering Committee or its Executive Secretariat.