Peru Court Issues Ruling in Awajún Language

Why this is here: The court considered that trauma in indigenous contexts can manifest differently than in urban environments when evaluating the victim’s statement.

A court in Amazonas, Peru, issued a preventative detention ruling in the Awajún language regarding a case of sexual violence. The Subspecialized Investigative Court of Yutupis-Río Santiago, Condorcanqui province, delivered the resolution with the help of a translator, ensuring the father of the minor victim and the defendant’s lawyer could understand it.

The court considered the cultural context of the Awajún people, recognizing their unique family dynamics and authority structures. Judge James Roberto Polo Tocas ordered six months of preventative detention for Wilde Jempe Nugkum, age 33, factoring in local customs alongside Peru’s constitution and prioritizing the wellbeing of the minor.

The court also mandated comprehensive protection for the victim, coordinating with local emergency services and community leaders. They will ensure the accused receives information in his native language and that communication reaches his family via community media.

While the new Specialized National Justice System for addressing violence against women was recently implemented in Condorcanqui, understanding trauma responses within indigenous communities remains an ongoing area of focus. The court continues to adapt its approach to ensure justice is served.