ALERT Renewed attacks against Maxima

Categoría: Creado el Jueves, 04 de Febrero 2016 10:25

Publicado por: L A MM P

Please stand in solidarity with Máxima and her family, and sign this Urgent Action by Thursday 11th February 2016 by emailing leilah@lammp.org

Peruvian rural woman human rights defender, Máxima Acuña de Chaupe is experiencing renewed attacks from mining company Yanacocha. These acts of aggression were perpetrated as part of a 5 year dispute in which the company relentlessly attempts to force Maxima and her family off their land.

Despite a 2014 court ruling in favour of Maxima’s family, Yanacocha continues its acts of intimidation and violence against the family. Most recent attack have been clear attempt to put her livelihood at risk by demolishing her adobe home, killing and theft of farm animals and destruction of crops and vital foods. In the wake of 2016, Yanacocha workers and securities have renewed their assaults, harassment, and degrading treatment.

On the 30th January, the family’s pet dog “Cholo” was stabbed in the neck. The family suspect that the perpetrators were the alpaca herders from Yanacocha’s corporate social responsibility initiative for alpaca rearing. When contacted, the mining company denies the presence of herders on the site at the time of events, despite photographic evidence demonstrating otherwise.

“Cholo” Maxima’s pet dog following the stabbing incident on 30th January 2016. Photo source: http://solidaritecajamarca.blogspot.fr/2016/02/les-agressions-contre-la-...

On 2nd February, Yanacocha personnel entered Maxima’s property, destroying the family’s crops. Photographic evidence taken on the day also show that assailants stole bags potatoes that were recently harvested for the family’s consumption. The family and their lawyer believe this was premeditated, as perpetrators purposefully waited for the harvest to be ready before carrying out their theft (ie. The potatoes were planted 3 months ago).

As he attempted to record the events with his mobile phone, Maxima’s son, Daniel Chaupe received several death threats and verbal abuse. Daniel also reports that the security agents and workers attempted to take his phone, to prevent him from collecting evidence.

As seen in the photographs from the incident (below), the acts were carried out under the supervision of a contingent of the Peruvian National Police. These agents were fully dressed, equipped as riot police and armed with batons. However, despite wearing their official uniform, all labels and signs on the shield and dress that would indicate “Police” were hidden by black tape. This confirms previous reports highlighting the dangerous and shady relationship between mining companies and national police force in Peru.

Peruvian National Police acting as private security for Yanacocha with “Police” signs covered in black tape. In the background workers destroying crops and stealing bags of potatoes. Source: solidaritecajamarca.blogspot.fr

Yanacocha continues to deny the incidents and aggressions against the Chaupe family. In addition to ongoing threats and security incidents, the company has set up surveillance cameras to monitor the area. A few days prior to the events of the 30th January, Maxima and her family reported seeing a drone flying above their property which they suspect, was intended for the record of their daily activities. However, Yanacocha’s head of communications, Mr. Roberto del Aguila alleges that there were no recordings of the most recent aggressions.

surveillance installation with internet antenna monitoring Maxima’s property. Source: http://solidaritecajamarca.blogspot.fr/2016/02/les-agressions-contre-la-...

In light of these events, it is clear that the Chaupe family are still at risk. LAMMP hopes to express its solidarity with Maxima Acuña and her family, and to denounce the serious and ongoing human rights violations against them, including violations of their right to a private life, adequate food, a life free from violence and security of a person as well as a life of dignity.