Peruvian Schoolchildren Living in Fear of Extortion Gangs
Peruvian schoolchildren face increasing threats from extortion gangs, which have turned to demanding protection money from private schools. The situation has resulted in numerous school closures and heightened security concerns within communities. With violence and extortion rampant, many families are left contemplating alternatives for their children’s education amid rising crime rates in urban areas.
In Peru, extortion gangs are now targeting schoolchildren, following their previous threats towards shop owners and public transport drivers for protection money. These gangs are demanding substantial sums from fee-paying schools, threatening violence against staff or parents. This alarming trend has prompted many private schools to close and conduct classes online, reflecting the escalating security crisis in the nation.
The new school year commenced in March for San Vicente primary and secondary school in northern Lima, yet significant disruptions occurred when a gang attacked the school due to its refusal to pay a $27,000 protection fee. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but all 1,200 students were instructed to stay home for a month, underscoring the severe implications of these threats to school safety.
Returning to school, students and parents were met with an unsettling sight: military personnel armed with assault rifles guarding the entrance. Extortion has become increasingly prevalent across Latin America, with Peru witnessing rampant gang activity that far exceeds that of drug or human trafficking in profitability, according to intelligence assessments.
In light of this situation, President Dina Boluarte declared a month-long state of emergency in Lima to bolster security after a series of murders attributed to extortion crimes. San Vicente’s tuition fees of $1,485 make it an attractive target for these criminals, prompting the Freedom to Educate Collective to report that 325 private institutions have had to suspend in-person classes indefinitely due to extortion threats. Over 500 schools are affected nationwide.
Parents express profound anxiety regarding their children’s safety. One father lamented the pervasive fear, stating, “It’s like a pandemic, but with weapons.” The school had received previous threats demanding protection money, which escalated into a video message post-attack, further heightening the sense of terror among families.
The climate of fear surrounding educational institutions is so palpable that many families are contemplating homeschooling their children. One mother narrowly articulated the distressing reality her son faces, emphasizing the need for him to learn protective measures in case of violence at school.
Despite a reported decrease in extortion complaints, police recognize that many incidents remain unreported due to fear of retribution. In the first quarter of the year, urban homicide rates hit a 20-year high, exacerbating concerns about security in Peru and impacting President Boluarte’s already dwindling approval ratings, with recent polls indicating 93% dissatisfaction with her government.
The situation for Peruvian schoolchildren continues to deteriorate under threats from extortion gangs, prompting widespread school closures and a significant state of fear among families. With alarming rates of violence and extortion prevalent in the education sector, immediate attention and action are required from authorities to protect students and restore a sense of safety in schools. The challenges faced reflect broader systemic issues linked to gang violence and the necessity for effective governance and security measures.
Original Source: www.france24.com
