The killings of at least 27 civilians in Peru, since 2011, are under investigation by officials. The Peruvian government believes that these killings were carried out by a group of rogue cops. The investigation was announced on Monday, and already has its sights on 96 members of the national police force.
The government probe comes on the heels of an already extensive investigation, which was performed internally by the police service. The internal investigation targeted four specific divisions within the agency: Intelligence, SWAT, anti-terrorism and robbery division.
The investigation revealed details of the killings that would indicate they were carried out execution style, with most victims having been shot in the head from above. The investigation also uncovered plans for the infiltration of gangs and crime organizations, for the purpose of kidnapping and executing leadership. According to Deputy Public Order Minister Ruben Vargas, the killings occurred during six separate police operations in Lima, Chiclayo and Chincha Alta. Out of the people killed, less than half of them had any history with police. It is believed that many of the killings were justified at the time, under the guise of being dangerous criminals. It is reported that two of the officers involved were promoted during the time in question.
Many are recognizing the parallels between the actions of this death squad with the killings carried out by the anti-communist, Grupo Colima. Grupo Colima was the assassination squad of former Peruvian Dictator, Alberto Fujimori. Fujimori came into power after his predecessor Alan Garcia destabilized the country, crashing the economy. Fujimori dealt with political opposition swiftly and ruthlessly. He is responsible for ordering the Grupo Colima to massacre rebel groups and other dissidents. This violence spilled over into the streets and resulted in significant civilian deaths.
The end of his regime marked the end of a twenty year internal war. Fujimori is currently serving a twenty year sentence for human rights violations.
Human Rights Watch activists called out President Ollanta Humala in 2012, over the killing of fifteen civilians during a protest over a gold mining operation. Armed soldiers opened fire on a crowd of protesters after they allegedly tried to force their way into city hall. The Peruvian government justified the shootings, stating that two soldiers suffered injury from homemade artillery. Human Rights Watch found in their own investigation, that the killings were not justified and that shots were fired on armed bystanders.
The new wave of killings were brought to the attention of officials by members of the police force who filed complaints, regarding abuse of power and misconduct. The office of the Inspector General is leading the investigation and will have a preliminary report issued within ten days.
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