No, cannibalism is unequivocally prohibited under Peruvian criminal law, classified as a severe offense against human dignity and bodily integrity. The Penal Code criminalizes acts of consumption or mutilation of human flesh, with penalties escalating to life imprisonment under Article 152 for aggravated homicide involving cannibalistic intent. Recent 2026 amendments to the Ley de Delitos contra la Vida, el Cuerpo y la Salud (Law 31407) explicitly target ritualistic or survival-based cannibalism, mandating forensic psychiatric evaluations for offenders. The Ministry of Justice and Human Rights, in coordination with the Public Prosecutor’s Office, has prioritized enforcement to curb isolated cases linked to indigenous practices or extreme survival scenarios.
Key Regulations for Cannibalism in Peru
- Penal Code (Article 152): Aggravated homicide involving cannibalistic acts carries penalties of 25 to 35 years in prison, with life imprisonment reserved for premeditated or ritualistic cases.
- Law 31407 (2026 Amendment): Expands definitions to include consumption of human remains, even post-mortem, criminalizing acts previously unaddressed under traditional homicide statutes.
- Forensic & Cultural Exemptions: Indigenous practices may trigger cultural heritage investigations by the Ministry of Culture, but these do not preclude criminal liability under Article 152. Courts assess intent and harm under Ley de Consulta Previa (Law 29785) to determine mitigation.