State surveillance during social protests in Peru has increased dramatically with the introduction of drones equipped with facial recognition technology, a practice that, according to La Repubblica, seeks to detect incidents at mass events while raising concerns about protecting the privacy of participants. This trend to strengthen digital surveillance mechanisms coincides with the submission of a legislative proposal to Congress stipulating increased penalties for those who hide their faces during public demonstrations.
According to La República, the direct impetus for this initiative was the death of Eduardo Ruiz Sanz, when agent Luis Magallanes shot him without wearing a police uniform during mobilization in Lima. Following this event, the actions of security forces and state strategies in confronting social protests came under increased scrutiny. The legislative proposal submitted to Congress, promoted by Congresswoman Elizabeth Medina of the ruling Somos Peru party, proposes prison sentences of eight to ten years for those who conceal their facial identity during protest activities. Peruvian media explained that the introduction of this project comes in response to the atmosphere of social tension and recent political changes, such as the arrival of Jose Jiri to the presidency after the dismissal of Dina Boluarte, which led to further restrictions on civil rights.
The foundations of the text proposed by Medina, cited by La Repubblica, are based on the premise that anonymity makes it difficult to identify perpetrators of potential crimes during protests, and allows some participants to take advantage of face coverings to carry out actions that can change the nonviolent nature of demonstrations. Within the legislative initiative, alternatives to imprisonment are being considered, such as performing community work or paying fines equivalent to ninety days of the minimum wage. However, the main penalty stipulated is prison time for those who insist on hiding their faces at protest sites.
The political and social context in which this project was placed is characterized by a growing rejection of repressive practices and by debate about the boundaries between protecting public order and exercising the right to protest. The Republic stated that this tension is reflected in the submission of other relevant legislative proposals. In October, Congressman Hector Valer, also from the Peruvian island of Somos, introduced an initiative encouraging six- to 10-year prison sentences for those who use explosives or fireworks against police or civilians during protests.
The justifications contained in the legislative documents, according to what was reported by La Repubblica, indicate that the aim of these measures is to strengthen the ability of the state to control and ensure citizen security in contexts that it considers to be highly conflict. This position sparked a parliamentary debate about anonymity at demonstrations, proportionality of punishments, and respect for fundamental rights.
In parallel with discussing and addressing these projects, the executive authority adopted new oversight policies. President José Giri declared a state of emergency on October 22, temporarily suspending several constitutional guarantees, including the inviolability of the home and freedom of assembly and movement, according to La Repubblica. In addition to this decision, there is the application of monitoring and surveillance technologies, which include facial recognition software and the use of drones at public and official events and demonstrations.
The rise of social mobilization in the country is not limited to one sector. At the same time, transportation groups intensified their protest agenda. According to La Repubblica newspaper, the Association of National and International Transporters (Asutrani) has called for a new national strike scheduled for Friday, with the aim of demanding greater guarantee measures against cases of extortion and violence affecting drivers in the national territory. This measure is in addition to other previous measures promoted by the union, which indicates the seriousness and continuity of the claims.
La Repubblica’s analysis indicates that the convergence of social protests, the tightening of security policies and the adoption of new surveillance technologies are putting pressure on the legislative and executive branches. The main driver of this dynamic lies in the perception of insecurity and citizens’ questioning of police actions, especially in relation to mass protests with a high participation of young people, identified by the media as corresponding to the so-called Generation Z.
Debate over the right to anonymity at demonstrations, the proportionality of proposed penalties, and the use of technology to monitor demonstrations will continue in the coming days within Congress and in public debates, while the country faces a phase of marked social unrest and a review of civil safeguards. La Repubblica’s coverage highlights that ongoing legal initiatives and increased state surveillance form a panorama in which responses to social protest focus on greater restrictions and sanctions, both legal and technological.
About The Author
