Peru captures second businessman convicted in Saweto environmental defenders' murders
Peruvian police arrested Hugo Soria Flores, sentenced to 28 years for ordering the 2014 killings of four Indigenous leaders. Two others remain at large.
Peruvian authorities captured Hugo Soria Flores, a businessman sentenced to 28 years in prison for ordering the 2014 murders of four Indigenous environmental defenders. The arrest occurred in Ucayali's Manantay district, where police deployed a team of nine officers to apprehend the fugitive.
## The Saweto case
The victims-Edwin Chota, Jorge Ríos, Francisco Pinedo, and Leoncio Quintisima-were killed in September 2014 by armed assailants. A protected witness confirmed that Soria Flores and José Carlos Estrada Huayta, another convicted businessman, gave the orders. Estrada Huayta was arrested in May, leaving three others still wanted: Eurico Mapes Gomes and the Atachi Félix brothers (Segundo and Josimar), who carried out the killings.
| Name | Role in Case | Status | |---------------------|-----------------------|-----------------------| | Hugo Soria Flores | Ordered killings | Captured, sentenced | | José Carlos Estrada Huayta | Ordered killings | Captured, sentenced | | Eurico Mapes Gomes | Carried out killings | Fugitive | | Segundo Atachi Félix| Carried out killings | Fugitive | | Josimar Atachi Félix| Carried out killings | Fugitive |
The Saweto case marks a historic milestone in Peru, as it is the first conviction for crimes against environmental defenders. Despite progress, the justice system has yet to locate the remaining fugitives.
Soria Flores, now in judicial custody, was previously on Peru’s most-wanted list with a reward for his capture. The case highlights ongoing challenges in prosecuting environmental crimes and protecting Indigenous leaders.
