Peru: Justice classifies a case on thousands of forced sterilizations of women during the 1990s

The Peruvian prosecutor's office has closed a case regarding the forced sterilization of thousands of indigenous women during Alberto Fujimori's presidency, citing the statute of limitations. This decision, based on a 2024 law, prevents prosecution for crimes prior to July 2002, which human rights advocates criticize as an 'impunity law.' The case involved complaints from 4,172 women who suffered severe injuries from sterilization procedures, with five fatalities reported. The UN's Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women suggested these actions could be classified as crimes against humanity. The ruling benefits 52 suspects, including former health ministers under Fujimori, who has been condemned for crimes against humanity and died in 2024 after receiving a humanitarian pardon in 2018.