Peruvian Schoolchildren Confront Growing Threat of Extortion Gangs

In Peru, extortion gangs have begun targeting private schools, threatening violence against staff and parents unless they pay exorbitant sums of money. The situation has led hundreds of schools to close or shift to online learning, with the recent attack on San Vicente school highlighting the severity of the issue. Families now live in fear for their children’s safety amidst an increasingly violent environment.

In Peru, the crisis of extortion has escalated, affecting private schools as criminal gangs now threaten educators and parents alike. Gangs intimidate these institutions into paying significant sums of protection money, leading to the closure of several schools and the shift of classes to online formats. The alarming situation is evident as many schools remain targets of violence, imposing a heavy toll on educational institutions and families across the nation.

The new school year’s initiation faced immense disruption, particularly for San Vicente primary and secondary school, which experienced an explosive attack when it refused to comply with extortion demands. Fortunately, there were no injuries; however, this incident resulted in the prolonged absence of 1,200 students from classes due to safety concerns. The resumption of classes was marked by an increased military presence, as soldiers armed with rifles were deployed to protect the students and staff.

Peru has seen a dramatic surge in extortion as local gangs, alongside transnational groups, wreak havoc. It is reported that the profits from extortion crimes surpass those from drug or human trafficking, making this criminal enterprise particularly appealing. In response, President Dina Boluarte declared a state of emergency in Lima to restore order amidst growing violence linked to these criminal activities.

Giannina Miranda, the president of the Freedom to Educate Collective, highlighted the severity of the issue, noting that 325 educational institutions have suspended in-person learning indefinitely due to extortion threats. This figure underscores a broader trend of criminal activity where private schools are viewed as lucrative targets, exacerbating fears among parents and educators.

One local father expressed his deep concern regarding the safety of his child, revealing the pervasive fear that mirrors a pandemic, emphasizing the emotional toll on families. Reports indicate that extortion threats escalate to the point where gangs vow to harm individuals within the school environment unless their financial demands are met, demonstrating the absolute gravity of the situation.

The pervasive issue of extortion in Peru has dire consequences for educational institutions, pushing many to close or shift to online learning. The use of violence by gangs to enforce extortion demands creates a climate of fear among families and educators. With the security crisis worsening and government response under scrutiny, the effect on school operations and student safety remains critical and troubling.

Original Source: www.france24.com