The Ministry of Culture of Peru announced on Apr. 21 that spreading racist messages on the internet or digital platforms can be punished with up to four years in prison, along with possible disqualification from certain rights. The ministry reminded the public that discrimination based on origin, culture, or skin color is a crime in Peru and can result in up to three years imprisonment or community service, but penalties increase when offenses occur online.
This announcement comes as part of ongoing efforts by the ministry to combat racism and protect human rights throughout the country. The Ministry of Culture promotes cultural identity, fights discrimination and racism, and encourages intercultural dialogue and rights across Peru, according to the official website.
The ministry reported that it will work together with 27 state entities to carry out 130 multisectoral interventions aimed at strengthening efforts against racism and ethnic-racial discrimination nationwide. These actions are part of the Multisectoral Strategy “Peru Without Racism” through 2030, which was approved by Supreme Decree No. 002-2025-MC.
Recently, the Ministry referred alleged acts of ethnic-racial discrimination involving streamers Cristopher Puente Viena (“Cristorata7”) and Jorge Alexander Quispe (“EsBebote”)—who reportedly made racist comments during live broadcasts—to the Special Criminal Prosecutor’s Office for Human Rights for preliminary investigation under Article 323 of the Penal Code. If proven guilty, those involved could face criminal proceedings leading to convictions.
The ministry urged citizens—especially content creators and digital media—to use language responsibly online and avoid sharing content that promotes racial discrimination or undermines human dignity. It also highlighted its “Alert Against Racism” service which receives citizen reports; since its launch in 2012 through late 2025 there have been 1,363 cases recorded, with over 100 reports already registered so far in 2026.
Citizens are encouraged to report incidents via free hotline (1817), WhatsApp (976079336), web platform https://www.gob.pe/t/alerta-contra-el-racismo, social media channels of the Ministry of Culture or other communication means including email alertacontraelracismo@cultura.gob.pe.
The Ministry operates under ministerial leadership as an autonomous entity within Peru’s Executive Branch according to its official website. It supports communities throughout Peru using decentralized facilities alongside its San Borja headquarters for programs fostering social inclusion by protecting heritage and promoting diversity across regions. Established in 2010, it continues overseeing national cultural policy while advancing initiatives related to heritage preservation and cultural industries supporting national identity.
