In 2024, eleven leaders of peasant communities and environmental defenders from the provinces of Cotabambas and Grau, in the Apurímac region, were sentenced in the first instance to eight and nine years in prison. The charges included aggravated property damage, civil disturbance, and obstruction of public services, in the context of protests against the Las Bambas mining project.
The first-instance ruling was criticized by national and international organizations such as CooperAcción, Red Muqui, Fedepaz, and Front Lines Defenders, which pointed to irregularities, undue delays, and a lack of legal safeguards. As a result, they described the case as a criminalization of protest. In this context, the defense has appealed for the revocation of the ruling and the dismissal of the order to pay civil reparations, arguing that the prosecution’s case lacks sufficient evidence. The hearing originally scheduled for 31 March 2025 took place, but it was not concluded and was rescheduled to continue on 4 April 2025.
The evidence presented and the ruling in this case will help clarify the events and establish legal precedents for justice processes related to social protests and environmental defense. A verdict is expected on 22 April 2025.
Local residents, civil society organizations, and the Provincial Municipality of Cotabambas all rallied in support of the defenders, expressing their concern and solidarity through social media and public demonstrations.