State surveillance during social protests in Peru has been significantly stepped up with the introduction of drones equipped with facial recognition, a technique La Repubblica says is aimed at detecting incidents at large-scale events while fueling concerns about protecting the privacy of participants. This trend to strengthen digital control mechanisms coincides with the introduction of a bill in parliament that would strengthen sanctions against people who cover their faces during public demonstrations.
According to La Repubblica, the immediate impetus for this initiative was the death of Eduardo Luis Sanz. The death occurred during a mobilization in Lima when police officer Luis Magallanes, not wearing a police uniform, shot him dead. After this incident, the actions of security forces and state strategies in the face of social protests came under increased scrutiny. A bill introduced in Congress, sponsored by Representative Elizabeth Medina of the ruling Somos Peru party, proposes prison sentences of eight to 10 years for those who hide their facial identities during protests. Peruvian media detailed that the project’s announcement was in response to the situation of social tensions and recent political changes that have led to increased restrictions on civil rights, such as the appointment of Jose Gerri as president after the ouster of Dina Bolarte.
The basis of the text proposed by Medina, cited by La Repubblica, rests on the premise that anonymity makes it difficult to identify the perpetrators of crimes that may occur during protests, and that some participants can take advantage of face coverings to carry out actions that could change the non-violent nature of the demonstrations. Legislative initiatives are considering alternatives to prison, such as community work or paying a fine equal to 90 days’ minimum wage. However, the main sanctions on offer are custodial sentences for those who continue to cover their faces at protests.
The political and social context in which this project is inscribed is characterized by a growing rejection of repressive practices and a debate about the limits between the protection of public order and the exercise of the right to protest. The Republic reported that this tension was also reflected in the submission of other related legislative proposals. In October, Congressman Hector Valer, also from Somos, introduced an initiative that would push for prison sentences of six to 10 years for those who use explosives or incendiary devices against police or civilians during protests.
La Repubblica reports that the justification provided in the legislative document indicates that the purpose of these measures is to strengthen state administrative capacity and ensure the security of the population in situations where the risk of conflict is considered high. This position triggered a parliamentary debate on the anonymity of demonstrations, the proportionality of sanctions, and respect for fundamental rights.
In parallel with the discussion and processing of these projects, the executive branch adopted new management policies. President Jose Gerri declared a state of emergency on October 22 and temporarily suspended several constitutional rights, including the inviolability of housing and freedom of assembly and movement, La Repubblica newspaper reported. Added to this decision is the introduction of surveillance and surveillance technologies such as facial recognition software and the use of drones in public places, official events and demonstrations.
The growing social mobilization in the country is not limited to a single sector. At the same time, transportation organizations stepped up their protests. The National and International Transport Operators Association (Asotrani) has called for a new national strike scheduled for Friday, with the aim of demanding stronger guarantees against extortion and violent incidents affecting drivers in the country, La Repubblica newspaper reported. This action is in addition to other actions the union has pursued and demonstrates the seriousness and tenacity of its claims.
La Repubblica’s analysis shows that the end of social protests, tightening of security policies, and the introduction of new surveillance technologies are putting pressure on both the legislative and executive branches. The main triggers for this dynamic can be seen in perceptions of insecurity and public questions about police procedures, particularly in relation to mass protests that often involve young people identified by the media as members of the so-called Generation Z.
Debate over the right to anonymity in demonstrations, the proportionality of proposed penalties, and the use of technology to monitor demonstrations will continue in parliamentary and public debates in the coming days, while the country faces significant social unrest and a review of civil security. La Repubblica’s report highlights how ongoing legal efforts and increased state surveillance are shaping the way responses to social protests will focus on greater restrictions and sanctions, both legal and technical.
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