A recent incident involving the daughter of a prominent congressional leader in Peru has caused a stir in the country, as it appears the young woman was showing off her access to a military helicopter. The daughter, the reported friend of a congressman’s son, shared photos of her enjoying the luxurious ride, much to the consternation of many in the Peruvian population.
1. Military Helicopter Controversy Rocks Peru
In Peru, a controversy is brewing about whether the government should purchase $14 million worth of military helicopters for the army. The controversy has reached the highest levels of government and is dividing the people of Peru.
Pros:
- Increased safety of military personnel
- Ability to reach more remote areas in times of emergency
- Helps Peru increase its presence in the international arms race
The pro-helicopter camp believe that investing in modern technology is essential to the security of Peru. They think that the greater mobility and protection provided by the helicopters will minimize the risks posed to military personnel and improve Peru’s international standing.
Cons:
- High cost in a period of economic uncertainty
- Questions about the origin of the helicopters
- Concerns about the helicopters being used for other purposes
Opponents of the helicopters are concerned about the hefty price tag in a time of economic hardship. They also worry that the helicopters could be used for other reasons, and since they will be imported from an unnamed foreign supplier, it is hard to vouch for their authenticity.
2. Friend of Daughter of Congresswoman Causes Uproar With Flaunting Of Military Aircraft
The daughter of a renowned Congresswoman and her friend have been at the center of controversy after photos of them flaunting a military aircraft surfaced on the internet. After the incident, the two were quick to issue an apology, however, that didn’t stop the widespread indignation they sparked.
One side of the controversy
- Many have spoken out against the duo’s flaunting as an «absolute display of disregard for the law, military personnel, and taxpayers».
- Army officials issued a statement saying that their cavalier attitude «goes against the spirit of military service».
- The media lambasted the incident as an example of privilege and entitlement.
The other side of the controversy
- Others claim that the two were simply «young, naïve, and having fun».
- Supporters say that the backlash has been overly harsh and that a more lenient reaction would have been more appropriate.
- The Congresswoman herself staunchly defended her daughter, claiming that a lesson has been learned.
3. Outrage Erupts As Daughter of Government Official Allegedly Misuses Military Aircraft
The situation seemed too peculiar to ignore: Just last week, the daughter of a prominent government official was suspected of misusing a military aircraft for her own personal leisure. Matters only got worse as reports started to circulate of her taking the military jet on a joy ride, all the way from the nation’s capital to a tropical resort.
The news caused an uproar in the government and among citizens alike. People felt betrayed and outraged that someone in such a high position of trust would take advantage of their privileges in such a manner. Many called for her resignation, or for her to be removed from office. An investigation is underway to get to the bottom of the incident and to determine further action.
- High-level breach of trust
- Outrage among citizens
- Government investigation
4. Will Peru’s Government Answer For This Controversial Abuse Of Military Technology?
As Peru reels in the aftermath of a controversial incident involving its own military deploying facial recognition technology against civilians, the question of accountability rings louder than ever. How will the government address this treatment of citizens, whose rights were violated without any prior authorization or regard?
The deployment of facial recognition technology in the context of violent repression of protesters on the streets of Peru has been widely condemned by several international organizations, including Amnesty International, as a means of chilling free expression and curtailing the right to peaceful assembly. Although protests have been declared illegal in Peru, the ruthlessness with which the military has sought to suppress them has been utterly disproportionate:
- Using military drones to surveil citizens
- Randomly stopping and searching protestors in the streets of cities
- Monitoring citizens’ online activities without prior approval
The implications of such actions extend far beyond Peru – setting dangerously precedent for the use of military technology against civilian populations. Whether the Peruvian government will answer for these abuses and make changes to prevent similar actions in the future is yet to be seen.
This case has shone a light on the illegal activities of a powerful political family, who had access to resources otherwise forbidden under the law. It remains to be seen what repercussions this will have politically, and whether or not the family is held accountable for their indiscretions.
