Peruvian Children Confront Threats from Extortion Gangs in Schools

Extortion gangs in Peru have begun targeting private schools, threatening violence unless hefty fees are paid. This alarming trend has forced many schools to close or shift to online learning, as parents fear for the safety of their children. Reports of extortion and homicide rates are on the rise, leading to increasing discontent with President Boluarte’s administration.

In Peru, extortion gangs have shifted their focus from businesses and public transport to private schools, instilling fear among staff, parents, and students. These gangs threaten violence unless protection fees, sometimes exceeding tens of thousands of dollars, are paid. Consequently, many private schools have transitioned to online learning or shut down entirely, underscoring a severe security crisis in the nation.

The new academic year commenced in March, but for students at San Vicente school in northern Lima, classes resumed only recently after a gang bombed the school for refusing to pay a $27,000 extortion demand. Although there were no injuries from the attack, the school was closed for a month, raising safety concerns significantly for the 1,200 students.

Parents of students returning to San Vicente were met with soldiers armed with rifles guarding the entrance, a stark reminder of the current threats. Extortion is rampant in Latin America, particularly in Peru, where gangs are reported to demand exorbitant payments, making this crime more profitable than traditional illicit activities such as drug trafficking.

Under President Dina Boluarte’s administration, a state of emergency was declared in Lima to tackle escalating violence linked to extortion, which has recently led to notable murders. Private schools, charging substantial tuition like San Vicente’s $1,485 annually, have become prime targets for crime syndicates seeking profit.

Giannina Miranda, president of the Freedom to Educate Collective, noted that 325 schools had halted in-person classes indefinitely, while a total of 500 schools have faced extortion. Parents express fear for their children’s safety, equating the situation to a pandemic of violence, contributing to a pervasive atmosphere of anxiety.

The threats received by San Vicente’s management included demands for 100,000 Peruvian soles, and after a violent incident, new threats arose via videos detailing further violence against school personnel or parents. Many families contemplate keeping their children at home, raising serious concerns about their education and well-being.

Moreover, despite a reported decline of 13% in complaints about extortion in 2024, authorities recognize that many instances go unreported due to fear. The overall climate of violence has reached alarming levels, with urban homicide rates at their highest in two decades, intensifying criticism of President Boluarte’s leadership and contributing to her plunging approval ratings, as a staggering 93% of citizens express dissatisfaction with her governance.

In conclusion, the infiltration of extortion gangs into Peru’s educational system highlights a severe and escalating security crisis. Many families are opting for online schooling or keeping their children home due to fears of violence. The alarming rise in criminal activity presents significant challenges for government leadership, as public safety becomes increasingly compromised. Immediate actions are essential to restore trust and ensure the safety of students and their education in Peru.

Original Source: www.france24.com