The Provincial Corporate Criminal Prosecutor’s Office of Islay, in Arequipa, closed seven criminal investigations against around 20 environmental human rights defenders from the Tambo Valley–Arequipa, who had taken part in mobilisations and social strikes carried out in 2025 in opposition to the advancement of the Tía María mining project. The Prosecutor’s Office had initiated more than 40 criminal investigations for alleged offences against means of transport, public disorder, among others, targeting residents of the Tambo Valley — including farmers, transport workers and teachers — who oppose the mining project. These investigations were opened without direct evidence against those under investigation, to the extent that in every case the Prosecutor’s Office itself stated that the proceedings were directed “against those found responsible”. Ultimately, the Prosecutor’s Office notified the closure of seven of these investigations due to a lack of evidence, the impossibility of identifying the alleged perpetrators, and the absence of witnesses to substantiate the commission of the alleged offences. Nevertheless, despite this evident lack of basis, the investigative proceedings remained open for months, seriously affecting the personal lives and fundamental rights of those under investigation.

The population of the Tambo Valley has organised and mobilised for decades to prevent the advancement of the Tía María and La Tapada mining projects, which would threaten the environment, agriculture, and life in the valley and the wider region.