Isabel Guerra

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Latest posts by Isabel Guerra

Peru: New Racism Incident Ignites Debate on Social Networks

  21 February 2012

A movie theater in Lima became the scene of a case that public opinion quickly deemed another example of the ongoing problem of racism in Peru: a 13-year-old boy uttered racist insults at a couple who had asked him and his friends, who were kicking up a fuss, to be quiet. The attitude of the boy and what came to pass afterward have let loose numerous online reactions.

Peruvians Debate Possible Pardon for Alberto Fujimori

  4 January 2012

One of the most debated topics right now in Peru, especially on social networks, is the possibility that ex-President Alberto Fujimori, who is serving a sentence of 25 years in prison for crimes against humanity and corruption, may receive a humanitarian pardon.

Peru: Racism Debated on Social Networks

  21 December 2011

A recent incident at a Lima movie theater has turned a spotlight on the issue of racism. Netizens are commenting on this and other similar incidents and on the bigger issue of racism in a multicultural society like Peru.

Peru: Congress Approves Law Criminalizing Femicide

  12 December 2011

The Peruvian Congress has approved the text of a law that recognizes femicide as a crime punishable by up to 25 years of incarceration. Under the existing law, the murder of a women can result in release from jail in about two years.

Peru: Calle 13 Arrive to Concert Five Hours Late

  7 December 2011

Puerto Rican group Calle 13's delay of almost five hours to their concert in Lima, due to commitments they had for the same day - three concerts between Peru and Venezuela - was the topic of heated debates in Peru, not only on social networks, but on all levels.

Peru: Conga Mining Project Suspended in Wake of Public Pressure

  30 November 2011

Protesting residents have managed to temporarily suspend operations of the Conga gold mining project, but protests continue all the same in support of the project's definitive cancellation. At the heart of the conflict is the defense of some 20 lagoons and their ecosystems, which would be seriously degraded by the execution of this mining project.

Peru: ‘Mistura 2011′ Ends Amid Praise and Criticism

  22 September 2011

In Lima the 'Mistura' festival of gastronomy just came to an end. It attracted a total of 400,000 visitors, and 9 famous chefs lead by Ferrán Adriá signed the 'Declaration of Lima.' It is hoped that Mistura 2012 will reach one million visitors. Most Peruvians support this event, but there are also some criticisms.

Peru Enacts Law Requiring Prior Consultation with Indigenous Peoples

  7 September 2011

The President of Peru, Ollanta Humala, enacted the long-awaited law requiring prior consultation with Indigenous Peoples [es], which is expected to contribute to investment and business development with the participation of the local population. Humala stated that this law does not imply immediate solutions, but that it will mark a...

Peru: Ripley Department Store Workers Maintain Demands

  25 August 2011

Ripley Peru union workers have announced that they will not give up their demands [es] for an increase in the basic monthly salary to 350 nuevos soles [es] (around US $130). They also ask for a payment of 50% of their snack and 100% of their transportation for workers who...

Peru: Congress Passes Law Requiring Prior Consultation With Indigenous Peoples

  24 August 2011

The Peruvian Congress unanimously approved the ‘Prior Consultation Law‘ for indigenous or native peoples (“Ley de Consulta Previa a los Pueblos Indígenas u Originarios“[es] in Spanish), which establishes the mandatory or biding character of the consultations with indigenous peoples [es]. It is expected that President Ollanta Humala will soon sign...

Peru: Customers Show Support for Ripley Department Store Employees

  22 August 2011

Peruvian social networks are buzzing with talk about the temporary closing of a Ripley department stores. Although the closing of the store is officially in accordance with the lack of a security certificate issued by the Civil Defense, it has come about in the middle of a long conflict with its employees.

Peru: Journalist Sued for Defamation

  12 August 2011

Peruvians are following the case [es] of blogger and journalist Luis Torres Montero, @Malapalabrero, sued for defamation [es] by former Defense Minister, Rafael Rey, who felt attacked [es] by a column [es] where Torres [es] says Rey is gay [es].

Peru: Reactions After Ollanta Humala's Inauguration

  1 August 2011

On July 28, Ollanta Humala was inaugurated as the new Peruvian President. Comments and reactions in social networks have been filled with everything from faith and hope, to bitter criticism, irony and humorous remarks about the First Lady, Nadine Heredia's, dresses.

Peru: Peace Restored in Puno Following Agreements

  30 June 2011

Through the enforcement of recent statutes put in place by the executive, little by little peace is being restored in the Puno region after recent conflict and social unrest (both related to mining) that resulted in the death of 6 and more than 30 wounded and millions in material losses. Social networks are buzzing with commentary.

Peru: Residents of Puno Resume Protests

  26 June 2011

Once again the inhabitants of the Puno region have taken to the streets in protests, this time against the contamination caused by the mining of minerals. Six people died as a result of the protests on the day when Peru celebrates the Day of the Peasant.