FU on UA: 123/10 Index: AMR 46/009/2010

Exiled Indigenous leader, Segundo Alberto Pizango Chota, was released from detention on 27 May. He had been detained on 26 May at Lima airport, Peru, immediately after he returned from exile in Nicaragua.

Alberto Pizango, leader of AIDESEP (Asociación Interétnica de Desarrollo de la Selva Peruana) had been in exile in Nicaragua since mid-June 2009. He landed at Lima airport on a flight from Nicaragua on 26 May. Upon his arrival he was immediately detained by police, but was released yesterday (27 May).

The judge with responsibility for the case ruled that Alberto Pizango should be released. However, the charges he faces have not been dropped and he still faces prosecution.
In a statement shortly after his release, Alberto Pizango said "I have returned to my home country of Peru, not only to face the law and demonstrate that I am innocent of the charges made against me, but also to contribute to the necessary reconciliation between Peruvians, when we are recognized as peoples and treated as equal citizens".

Many thanks to all who sent appeals. No further action is required at this time. We will monitor his case and will take further action should his case require it.

For further information, see: http://www.amnesty.org/en/library/info/AMR46/007/2010/en; http://www.amnesty.org/en/library/info/AMR46/008/2010