On March 7, 2022, Oscar Mollohuanca, former mayor of the Espinar district in Peru, was found dead. The causes of his death are under investigation. Oscar Mollehuanca was a human rights defender and environmentalist. In November 2021, he actively participated in the National Campaign of Environmental Defenders in Peru, a space in which he shared his concerns about the lack of protection and the lack of appreciation of the role of defenders in the country, and the urgent need for an adequate understanding of the right to defend human rights in the country. In 2012 he also participated in demonstrations related to mining activities in the area. He also faced a criminal investigation based on his role as a community leader and environmental defender.