ADF International
CV NEWS FEED // Peru’s Prosecutor’s Office has upheld a woman’s freedom of expression by dropping a criminal complaint filed against her after she spoke out against “gender-inclusive” restroom policies at Lima’s Jorge Chavez International Airport, Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) recently reported.
The report stated that Olga Izquierdo became widely known in July 2023 when she shared three TikTok videos that expressed her concerns about a women’s restroom policy allowing entry to anyone “identifying” as female. In her videos, which received over 12.5 million views, she questioned the implications of the policy, particularly regarding safety for women and girls.
Following the release of her videos, Peruvian transgender activist Leyla Augusta Huerta Castillo filed a criminal complaint against Izquierdo, alleging that her speech constituted discrimination.
Under Peruvian law, such a conviction could lead to a prison sentence of two to three years and significant community service requirements, according to ADF’s report.
The Prosecutor’s Office opened an investigation in August 2023 after receiving the complaint. ADF International provided legal advice in support of Izquierdo, according to the report.
In June 2024, the Prosecutor’s Office decided not to press charges against Izquierdo. Despite Castillo appealing the decision, the Prosecutor’s Office ultimately confirmed its decision not to pursue charges after its year-long investigation.
“After a year of intense legal battle, the Public Prosecutor’s Office dropped the complaint against me, recognizing that my speech in favor of the differentiation of bathrooms by sex was made in the full exercise of my freedom of expression, and with the goal of defending the safety of girls,” stated Izquierdo, according to ADF.
Kristina Hjelkrem, legal counsel for Latin America for ADF International, commented on the case, stating, “Every woman has the right to safe spaces, and Olga’s stand has helped protect the right to say so.”
Hjelkrem added, “We are thankful that freedom of expression ultimately has been upheld in this case.”
