Peru’s Minister of Women and Vulnerable Populations, Teresa Hernández, announced on Sunday that she will request the Prosecutor’s Office to increase its recommendation from 30 years in prison to life imprisonment for Venezuelan Sergio Tarache. He is accused of aggravated femicide for pouring gasoline on his ex-partner and setting her on fire in 2023.
“The prosecution has requested 30 years in prison, and we believe that this sentence does not fit the nature of the crime,” Hernández stated during the Open Dialogue program on National Radio.
This past Saturday, the Public Prosecutor’s Office requested a sentence of 30 years, 6 months, and 20 days in prison for Tarache for the murder of his ex-partner, Katherine Gómez Machare. He poured gasoline on her and ignited her on March 18 in the historic center of Lima, and she succumbed to her injuries a week later in the hospital.
The minister expressed her dissatisfaction with the sentence proposed for Tarache, who was extradited from Colombia in January after fleeing there following the crime in March 2023.
She emphasized her department’s stance, stating that a sentence of 30 years does not align with the “savagery” displayed by Tarache in this case.
Thus, she assured that her team, comprised of lawyers from the Women’s Emergency Centers (CEM), would coordinate with the Prosecutor’s Office to ensure that life imprisonment is sought as the appropriate penalty in this instance.
Maximum Sentence Demanded in Peru for Venezuelan Accused of Murdering His Ex-Partner
The Second Permanent Collegiate Criminal Court of Lima has scheduled the start of the oral trial for this case on September 3.
Tarache, who is 21 years old, arrived in Peru on January 30 on a National Police plane at Tarapoto airport in the San Martín region, escorted by law enforcement officers after being handed over by Interpol in the Colombian town of Leticia.
At that time, the Ministry of Women called for the maximum penalty for Tarache in a message shared on the social media platform X.
«Katherine Gómez was a victim of femicide by her ex-partner. After months of waiting and collaborative efforts between the governments of Peru and Colombia, the murderer will face justice, and we demand the maximum sanction for him. Everyone has the right to live free from violence and fear,” the ministry stated.
The accused was apprehended in Bogotá on April 12 last year and was placed in preventive detention while Colombian and Peruvian authorities initiated the extradition process.
On May 9, 2023, the Peruvian government approved the request for his extradition. Since then, the Public Prosecutor’s Office, in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has been working to obtain the necessary request from Colombian authorities for Tarache to be prosecuted in Peru for potential offences against life, bodily integrity, and health in the form of femicide against Gómez.
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Source: Andina
Peru’s Minister of Women and Vulnerable Populations, Teresa Hernández, announced this Sunday that she will ask the Prosecutor’s Office to raise its request for 30 years in prison to life imprisonment for Venezuelan Sergio Tarache, accused of aggravated femicide. In a shocking incident in March 2023, Tarache doused his ex-partner, Katherine Gómez Machare, with gasoline and set her on fire.
“The prosecution has asked for 30 years in prison and we believe that it is a sentence that is not in accordance with the crime,” Hernández stated during the Open Dialogue program on National Radio.
This past Saturday, the Public Prosecutor’s Office requested 30 years, 6 months, and 20 days in prison for Tarache, who set fire to Gómez in the historic center of Lima. Tragically, she died a week later from her severe burns.
The Minister voiced her strong disagreement with this sentence and emphasized that a sentence of 30 years does not fit the “savagery” exhibited by Tarache. She assured that her team, along with lawyers from the Women’s Emergency Centers (CEM), will coordinate with the Prosecutor’s Office to advocate for life imprisonment in this case.
Maximum Sentence Demanded in Peru for Venezuelan Accused of Murdering His Ex-Partner
The Second Permanent Collegiate Criminal Court of Lima has scheduled the start of Tarache’s oral trial for September 3. Tarache, aged 21, was extradited from Colombia on January 30 to face charges in Peru. He was apprehended in Bogotá on April 12, 2023, and remained in preventative detention while the extradition procedures were underway.
This is a pivotal case that has sparked significant public outrage and brought attention to the issue of femicide in Peru, prompting calls for stricter penalties against perpetrators. In a recent message shared on the social network X, the Ministry of Women insisted on the need for the maximum penalty, stating:
«Katherine Gómez was the victim of femicide by her ex-partner. After months of waiting and joint work between the governments of Peru and Colombia, the murderer will face justice for which we demand the maximum sanction. We all have the right to live a life free of violence and fear,”
Understanding Femicide in Peru
Femicide, the gender-motivated killing of women, is a critical issue in Peru. In recent years, the country has witnessed an alarming rise in femicide cases, prompting the government and civil society to take significant steps in combatting violence against women.
Key Statistics
| Year | Reported Femicide Cases | Government Actions |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 126 | Implementation of stricter laws |
| 2021 | 136 | Increased funding for women’s shelters |
| 2022 | 134 | Public awareness campaigns |
Legal Framework Surrounding Femicide in Peru
In Peru, femicides are treated under the legal framework that specifically categorizes the murder of women based on gender. The law outlines severe penalties for perpetrators, including life imprisonment for aggravated femicide. The following points summarize the current laws:
- Article 108-B: Defines femicide in Peru as the killing of a woman on account of her gender.
- Life Imprisonment: Recommended for perpetrators of aggravated femicide.
- Protection Measures: Includes restraining orders and provisions for the protection of survivors.
Public and Government Response
The government, alongside various NGOs, has intensified efforts to raise awareness about gender-based violence and the critical need for systemic change. Among the efforts made are:
- Educational Campaigns: Providing education on gender equality and the rights of women in society.
- Support Services: Establishing shelters and crisis centers for survivors of domestic violence.
- Legal Assistance: Offering legal support to victims pursuing justice against their aggressors.
Personal Stories of Survival
Many survivors of gender-based violence have bravely come forward to share their stories, often inspiring others to seek help and justice. These narratives emphasize the importance of community support and governmental action.
Advocacy for Change
Peru’s current scenario regarding femicide illustrates not only a crisis but also an opportunity for change. Activists and advocates emphasize the need for:
- Stricter Enforcement of Existing Laws: Ensuring that the laws against femicide are not only in place but also actively enforced.
- Investment in Women’s Health Care: Providing adequate mental health services for survivors.
- Community Engagement: Building programs to involve men in the fight against gender-based violence.
The upcoming trial of Sergio Tarache serves as both a critical moment for justice for Katherine Gómez and a larger statement about Peru’s commitment to combating femicide. The outcome of this case is not just about punishment; it represents a step towards a society where women can live without fear of violence.
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