A Landmark Ruling After Seventeen Years of Injustice
Nearly two decades after a harrowing case of abuse, Peru’s justice system has finally delivered a long-awaited verdict. A Lima court has sentenced three police officers to 17 years in prison for torturing and sexually assaulting a transgender woman in 2008. The victim, Azul Rojas, then 34, was detained in Casa Grande, a town in northern Peru, where she endured severe physical and psychological violence while in police custody. The officers were taken into custody immediately after the sentence was announced, marking a significant moment for human rights accountability in the country.
International Pressure Reignites Legal Action
The case, stalled for years, gained renewed momentum in 2020 when the Inter-American Court of Human Rights declared the Peruvian state responsible for the abuse. The court found that the mistreatment of Azul Rojas stemmed from discrimination against her identity as a transgender woman, underscoring systemic bias within law enforcement. This international judgment set a legal precedent and compelled Peruvian authorities to reopen the case, resulting in new investigations and ultimately, this landmark conviction.
New Apologies and Long-Overdue Accountability
In 2022, the Peruvian government issued a formal apology to Azul Rojas, acknowledging the state’s failure to protect her and committing to justice. Though largely symbolic at the time, that apology was followed by tangible legal actions against the perpetrators. The recent court ruling finally delivers justice, with the officers found guilty of rape, physical assault, and psychological torture. This verdict represents the culmination of years of advocacy and resilience, bringing long-delayed closure to a painful chapter.
Progress for Trans Rights in Peru
This milestone ruling coincides with broader, albeit gradual, improvements in transgender rights across Peru. In 2024, the country officially declassified transgender identity as a mental illness, aligning with the World Health Organization’s global standards set in 2022. This progressive move is seen as an important step toward recognizing the dignity and rights of transgender individuals, contributing to a more inclusive national framework.
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