The victims would have been killed by criminal gangs linked to informal mining.
Illegal mining in Pataz (Peru) and criminal bands
The Peruvian Episcopal Conference (CEP) issued a public pronouncement before the tragic finding of the bodies of the 13 workers who were kidnapped on April 25 in the town of Pataz, La Libertad Region. The victims would have been killed by criminal gangs linked to informal mining.
In the statement entitled “You will not kill”, Monsignor Carlos García CamaderBishop of Lurín and president of the CEP, expressed his “deep sadness and dismay for these criminal acts of organized crime, which deeply hurt human dignity and social peace.”
They also sent their condolences and spiritual closeness to the families of the victims, ensuring their prayer and solidarity.
-The bishops strongly condemned the murders and asked the judicial and fiscal authorities to accelerate the investigations, guarantee the due process and the identification of those responsible.
“As a church, we reiterate our call to build a society where life is respected, the dignity of every person is protected and development with justice, honesty and love of neighbor is achieved,” is mentioned in the document.
Finally, the president of the CEP reminded all Peruvians who should not give in to despair. Citing Pope Francis, he said: “Do not let hope steal,” stressing that even in pain, it is possible to work for a more fair and fraternal country.
The Episcopal Conference raised its prayer for the eternal rest of the deceased and reaffirmed its commitment to the defense of life and peace in the country.+
