Alleged rape of gay man by Peruvian police sparks international protest
The International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC) is asking its supporters to write to the authorities in Peru about the handling of a case of alleged rape.
The commission, along with La Libertad GLTB Association from Peru, is trying to bring international pressure to bear in asking for a fair and throughout investigation of Luis Alberto Rojas Marín’s case.
It is alleged that on February 25th three police officers repeatedly raped and sexually assaulted Mr Marín, 26, because he is gay.
Last month a magistrate ordered that the officers be remanded in custody, a highly unusual decision and reportedly the first time that Peruvian authorities have ever ordered the arrests of police officers for committing hate crimes or human rights abuses related to sexual orientation.
However, the police, rather than suspend the officers, is paying for their legal advice.
Supporters of the police launched a campaign of protests, abusing the alleged victim’s sexuality and blaming him for the rape.
The three officers have now been released by a more senior judge.
“On February 25, 2008, at, at the Casa Grande District National Peruvian Police Station, which is based in Ascope County in the La Libertad Region of Peru, 26 year-old Luís Alberto Rojas Marín became the victim of several crimes,” IGLHRC said in a statement.
“At the police station, three police officers-Dino Horacio Ponce Pardo, Luís Miguel Quispe Cáceres and Juan Isaac León Mostacero-reportedly took his money and belongings, and later undressed and raped him, forcing him to submit to a variety of different sexual practices.
“Mr Rojas Marín was left naked the whole night. At six in the morning the police officers returned his clothes and finally set him free. The victim maintains he was abused because of his sexual orientation.
“The International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission joins La Libertad GLTB Association from Peru in requesting that you write letters to the Peruvian authorities, asking for a fair and throughout investigation of Luis Alberto Rojas Martin’s rape case, ensuring that those responsible for the crime are duly identified, tried and punished and that the victim gets an effective remedy and fair compensation.”
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To see a TV interview with Luis Alberto Rojas Marin, click here.
