In a damning new report released by Human Rights Watch (HRW) on Tuesday, Peru's Congress is accused of undermining the nation’s judiciary, thereby impairing its ability to combat the rising tide of organized crime. Titled “Congress in Cahoots: How Peru’s Legislature Is Allowing Organized Crime to Thrive,” the report details legislative actions that have reportedly weakened judicial independence, curtailed prosecutorial powers, and indirectly protected illegal activities such as unauthorized gold mining.

Peru, grappling with unprecedented levels of violence, including a surge in homicides and extortions, has seen its lawmakers pass a series of laws that restrict critical prosecutorial tools like plea bargaining and evidence gathering. The report specifically highlights laws such as Law No. 31990, which limits the use of "efficient collaboration," and Law No. 32108, which narrows the legal definition of organized crime, complicating efforts to investigate and prosecute criminal networks effectively.

Moreover, Law No. 31751 has shortened the statute of limitations for corruption offenses, potentially increasing the likelihood of impunity for serious crimes. According to HRW, these legal maneuvers reflect a self-serving agenda by a Congress where over half the members are under criminal investigation, ultimately facilitating a breeding ground for organized crime to flourish unchecked.

Juanita Goebertus, Americas director at HRW, has sharply criticized the Peruvian legislative body, warning that its actions not only undermine the rule of law but also leave millions of Peruvians more vulnerable to organized crime’s threats. Goebertus's stern message to both the Congress and President Dina Boluarte’s administration is to “urgently reverse course and take effective steps to protect the rights of all Peruvians.” She emphasized the necessity to strengthen judicial and investigative institutions to counteract the growing influence of criminal networks.

The comprehensive findings of the HRW report shed light on the critical situation in Peru, where legislative actions are seen as not just a failure in governance but as active complicity in the country's security crisis, putting democratic stability and public safety at risk.