Complete database of events related to the internal armed conflict in Peru, extracted from the Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (CVR). 5,159 events documented from 1817 to 2003.
On March 25, 2003, the Sala Nacional de Terrorismo annulled the sentences previously issued by the Fuero Militar in Peru. This decision was made in accordance with Legislative Decree N° 922-2003, which implemented the Sentence of the Constitutional Tribunal N° 010-2002-AI/TC. As a result, a new trial was initiated in …
Pantaleón Huayhua López, identified as 'Raúl', was a member of the zonal detachment 18 and was involved in subversive activities, including the preparation of a car bomb for Tarata Street. He was sentenced to life imprisonment. His involvement was confirmed by co-defendants, and he testified before the Truth and Reconciliation …
The Peruvian Constitutional Court, in its ruling on January 3, 2003, addressed the essence of terrorist acts, emphasizing the intention to terrorize the population. The court highlighted that acts of torture intended to intimidate civilians should be classified as terrorism under International Humanitarian Law. This ruling underscores the absolute prohibition …
In 2003, the Sala Nacional de Terrorismo, along with the ICRC and IDL, initiated a pilot project to clear 4,411 requisitorias, addressing issues of multiple detention orders and wrongful detentions. The CVR recommended the annulment of detention orders issued by military courts since 1992 and the modernization of the requisitoria …
On July 18, 2002, the Peruvian military entered Raucana as part of a new strategy to win the hearts and minds of the local population. The operation involved distributing food, providing medical examinations, and engaging with the community through music and festivities. This event was part of a broader effort …
The testimonies from various interviews and workshops conducted in 2002 highlight the severe impact of terrorism on rural communities in Peru. Witnesses recount the loss of family members, increased poverty, and the struggle for basic necessities such as food and clothing. The violence and instability left many children orphaned and …
In 2002, there were significant tensions in San Ramón, Peru, due to fears of ideological resurgence among individuals who had previously been involved in subversive activities. The community expressed concerns about the potential for violence and the re-emergence of past conflicts, highlighting the deep-seated ideological divides that persisted in the …
The Peruvian Constitutional Tribunal declared Legislative Decree 895, which pertained to aggravated terrorism, unconstitutional on 15 November 2001. The legislation was criticized for its reliance on objective responsibility, leading to the misclassification of common criminals as terrorists. This decision highlighted the importance of aligning anti-terrorism laws with international human rights …
On March 14, 2001, the Inter-American Court ruled unanimously that the amnesty laws 26479 and 26492 were incompatible with the American Convention on Human Rights, rendering them legally ineffective. This decision addressed the inefficiencies in the judicial system during the 1980s in dealing with terrorism, where many captured terrorists were …
The Inter-American Court of Human Rights and the United Nations Human Rights Committee criticized the use of military tribunals to judge civilians accused of treason and terrorism. These tribunals, staffed by active military personnel and appointed by the Minister of Defense, were deemed to lack the necessary impartiality and independence …
The 2000 Peruvian presidential elections were marred by significant irregularities, including the manipulation of media control by then-President Alberto Fujimori and his government. They launched costly campaigns to discredit opposition candidates, exploiting the threat of terrorism to influence public perception. These actions were part of a broader strategy to bolster …
In Peru, during trials for terrorism, judges were allowed to remain anonymous to protect their safety. This practice, however, was criticized for violating the accused's right to a fair trial, as it prevented them from knowing who was judging them and from challenging potential biases. The system of 'faceless judges' …
A report by the Coordinadora Nacional de Derechos Humanos in 1999 highlighted the extensive use of torture across Peru. The report documented 4,601 cases, with 84% involving detainees accused of terrorism or political crimes. The practice was particularly prevalent in rural areas with limited access to social and state protection …
In January 1998, a report by the UN Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers highlighted concerns about a Peruvian law that prohibited the challenging of judges in terrorism cases. This law, outlined in Article 13, literal h) of Decree Law 25475, was criticized for undermining judicial impartiality …
In 1998, the Peruvian government, under President Alberto Fujimori, intensified its use of media control and psychological operations to manipulate public perception of terrorism. The government labeled opposition activities as 'terrorist' to dissuade public protests and maintain control. This strategy included legislative measures like the 'aggravated terrorism' decrees, which aimed …
The 'faceless courts' were established under decree law 25475 in Peru, creating a secret justice system where the identities of judges and prosecutors were concealed. These courts were justified as necessary for the safety of those judging terrorism cases. However, they were criticized for undermining the accused's right to due …
On June 25, 1997, the Peruvian government published the Supreme Decree No. 005-97-JUS, which approved the regulations for the penitentiary regime and progressivity in the treatment of inmates charged or sentenced for terrorism and/or treason. This regulation, issued by the Executive Power, implemented norms related to the rights of inmates, …
In February 1997, negotiations began between the Peruvian government, represented by Domingo Palermo Cabrejos, and the MRTA, represented by Roly Rojas, with the presence of the Commission of Guarantors. By the end of the month, eight meetings had taken place, with Néstor Cerpa Cartolini participating in some. These discussions were …
Pilar Anchita, vice-president of the FEPOMUVES, assumed the presidency amidst a leadership vacuum caused by the PCP-SL's efforts to dismantle the organization. Despite accusations of being sympathetic to the PCP-SL, Anchita denied any affiliation with the group. In 1997, she was detained on charges of terrorism but was released a …
In April 1996, several individuals were convicted for their involvement in terrorist activities linked to the assassination of political leader Orestes Rodríguez Campos and his son Oscar Rodríguez Kadota. These acts were carried out by the PCP-SL as part of a systematic campaign to instill fear and unrest among the …
Pascuala Rosado was intercepted and assassinated by a PCP-SL elimination squad near the Mercado de la Av. 15 de Julio. After being shot in the forehead, an explosive was placed on her body, which detonated shortly after. The attack was similar in execution to the assassination of María Elena Moyano, …
In 1996, the Sala Penal Especial de Lima issued sentences in two significant cases. On April 20, 1996, Edgar Efraín Lozano Lozano, Martha Huatay Ruiz, and Osman Morote Barrionuevo were sentenced to 25 years in prison for crimes against public tranquility. Later, on July 31, 1996, Víctor Hugo Castillo Mezzich …
In 1995, the Peruvian government enacted laws that granted amnesty to individuals involved in human rights violations during the fight against terrorism. The 'Ley Barrios Altos' effectively halted judicial proceedings against those implicated in the Barrios Altos massacre, leading to the release of detainees. This controversial legislation was criticized for …
On May 25, 1995, the Peruvian government enacted Law 26457, which declared the reorganization of public universities and the dismissal of their authorities. This decision was influenced by concerns over the resurgence of terrorist activities within university campuses, following events such as the 1992 massacre where students were kidnapped and …
On April 21, 1995, the Peruvian government repealed a controversial law with the enactment of Law 26447, which restored the specialized jurisdiction for children and adolescents. Prior to this repeal, 209 adolescents were detained in common prisons and maximum-security facilities, accused of terrorism and treason. The repeal was a result …
The application of the Law of Repentance in Peru led to the release of members of the PCP-SL, causing significant controversy. The special prosecutor for terrorism cases, Daniel Espichán Tumay, credited Luis Alberto Arana with contributing significantly to the country's pacification. However, the Office of Judicial Control found that some …
In 1995, as Peru prepared for general elections, remnants of the terrorist group Sendero Luminoso retreated to the jungle areas, leading to a state of emergency in the Ucayali department. The region was under the control of the Political Military Command of the Ucayali Front, managed by the Peruvian Navy, …
In early 1995, the Decreto Supremo N° 01-95 was enacted to prohibit the public presentation of detainees accused of any crime, except those implicated in treason. This decree was a response to the practice of publicly presenting individuals accused of terrorism in striped suits, which violated the presumption of innocence …
On July 20, 1994, the Special Criminal Chamber of the Superior Court of Justice of Junín convicted several individuals, including Fabio Farfán Mendoza and Ernesto Ambrosio de la Cruz Espinal, for terrorism, homicide, and injuries. The court sentenced Mendoza to 25 years and the others to 20 years of imprisonment. …
The agricultural activities in the regions of Junín and Ayacucho in Peru were severely affected due to the presence of the terrorist group Sendero Luminoso. According to the III National Agricultural Census of 1994, approximately 30,655 hectares of agricultural land were left uncultivated due to terrorist actions. The most affected …
In 1994, a detainee in Ayacucho was subjected to torture by the Dirección contra el Terrorismo to coerce a confession of terrorism and to encourage him to accept the Law of Repentance. This practice was linked to emergency legislation enacted in 1992, which incentivized police officers to use torture as …
In December 1993, Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori declared 'War on Terrorism' following failed peace negotiations with the Shining Path (PCP-SL). The negotiations, initially aimed at reaching a peace agreement, were undermined by Fujimori's public denouncements and the strategic moves by his advisor, Vladimiro Montesinos. This declaration marked the end of …
In October 1993, Abimael Guzmán, leader of the Communist Party of Peru (PCP-SL), acknowledged that his capture and that of several key members dealt a significant blow to the organization, impacting their ability to continue the 'people's war.' Guzmán publicly proposed a peace agreement, which has since evolved into a …
Ana Carolina Lira Chupingahua, a sub-officer in the National Police of Peru, was retired due to psychosomatic disability resulting from an incident that occurred while on duty. She survived an attack where she was shot five times, leading to significant physical and emotional trauma. Her retirement was formalized on February …
On August 19, 1993, a group of terrorists from Sendero Luminoso, accompanied by Asháninka natives, attacked the area around Mazamari. They assaulted homes and villages, killing fifty-five people, including children, women, and men, and injuring eleven others. The attackers used weapons such as machetes, axes, and spears, and looted the …
On 1 March 1993, following the approval of the Human Rights and Pacification Commission's report, the Fiscal de la Nación visited the Picsi Prison in Chiclayo with other officials and medical examiners. Detainees, previously denied proper medical attention, were subjected to a medical examination. This event highlighted the inadequate medical …
In 1993, several incidents involving the MRTA (Túpac Amaru Revolutionary Movement) occurred in Lima, Peru. These included the capture of six MRTA members on February 26, a failed kidnapping attempt on March 29, and multiple attacks on businessmen throughout the year. Notably, on July 9, businessman Raúl Hiraoka Torres was …
In 1993, the Peruvian Constitution was amended to expand the conditions under which the death penalty could be applied. While the 1979 Constitution allowed the death penalty only for treason during external war, the 1993 amendment extended this to include treason during internal war, specifically in cases of terrorism. Despite …
In 1993, human rights organizations in Peru launched the campaign 'En nombre de los inocentes' to advocate for the release of individuals unjustly detained, prosecuted, and convicted of terrorism-related charges. This campaign highlighted the significant weaknesses in the judicial system, particularly the use of 'faceless' courts, which often disregarded due …
In 1993, the Peruvian government enacted a law allowing the Armed Forces to detain individuals suspected of terrorism in areas without a police presence. This law enabled the military to conduct preliminary investigations, which was a violation of international human rights standards. The involvement of the Armed Forces in judicial …
The 1993 Constitution of Peru expanded the jurisdiction of the Military Court to try civilians for treason during both external and internal wars, such as terrorism. This led to the establishment of a parallel penal system, characterized by 'faceless judges' and restrictions on defendants' rights, resulting in numerous wrongful convictions. …
In 1993, the Peruvian Constitution aimed to address the inadequate training of magistrates by establishing the Academia de la Magistratura. However, the institution focused on training and selecting new magistrates rather than enhancing the skills of those already in service. Additionally, political intervention and a flawed promotion system hindered its …
On December 18, 1992, members of the Sendero Luminoso, a Maoist insurgent group, attempted to assassinate Pedro Huilca, the Secretary General of the CGTP, a major Peruvian labor union. The plan involved stealing a vehicle and using explosives, but was thwarted when two members of the group were arrested by …
On November 26, 1992, the Peruvian government under President Alberto Fujimori enacted decree law 25880, which criminalized the act of teachers making an apology for terrorism. This law targeted educators accused of promoting the ideology of the Shining Path (PCP-SL) in schools, particularly in Lima. The law led to a …
On October 18, 1992, a massacre occurred in the community of Huayao, resulting in the deaths of 47 people. The attack left 50 children orphaned and numerous families devastated. The perpetrators, identified as terrorists, also stole livestock and destroyed homes, leaving the community in ruins.
On 19 September 1992, Mayor Johnny Rodríguez was attacked by presumed members of the Shining Path while investigating land registration in Pachacamac, an area with significant Shining Path presence. Although Rodríguez survived the attack, a local resident named David Velásquez was killed. The incident highlighted the ongoing influence and violence …
Decreto Ley 25728, enacted in Peru on September 18, 1992, allowed judicial bodies to convict individuals accused of terrorism and treason in absentia. This legislation was criticized for violating the right to a fair trial, as it disregarded the accused's presence and defense rights, contravening international human rights standards. Although …
On September 12, 1992, the Special Intelligence Group (GEIN) of the Counter-Terrorism Directorate (DIRCOTE) successfully captured key figures of the PCP-Sendero Luminoso, including its leader Abimael Guzmán Reynoso, also known as 'Presidente Gonzalo'. This event marked a significant blow to the subversive group, leading to the initiation of their VI …
On 12 August 1992, Peruvian police forces successfully captured Abimael Guzmán, the leader of the Shining Path (PCP-SL), along with key members of the organization's Central Committee. The operation took place in a house located in the Urbanización Los Sauces, Surquillo, after months of surveillance. This event marked a significant …
On July 16, 1992, a car bomb exploded on Tarata Street in the Miraflores district of Lima, Peru, killing 20 people and injuring 132. This attack was part of a series of violent actions carried out by the Shining Path (Sendero Luminoso) as part of their campaign to destabilize the …
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The American directors of two documentaries being shown at Film Forum in New York this month believe it does: at the very least, they say, the Peruvian experience is a …
Unlike Bolivia and Ecuador, Peru has not seen the emergence of indigenous political movements and parties, even though its indigenous population is, in absolute terms, the largest in South America. …
MONEY FROM THE ILLICIT DRUG TRADE has increasingly helped to finance terrorist groups worldwide, but perhaps nowhere has this development been more significant than in Latin America's Andes. In recent …
National police, helped in this drug-producing region by U.S.-donated helicopters, intelligence and training, said the Shining Path is regrouping with far stronger ties than in the past to the drug …
Peruvian society in the 1990s became a harsh critic of human rights violations by the security forces, following a period of relative tolerance during the first phase of the State's …
The U.S. embassy assesses the current situation in the South Central emergency zone of Ayacucho, following a two-day visit to this area in December. The report provides an analysis of …
Deputy Secretary of State John C. Whitehead sends guidance to U.S. embassies in Latin America on how to address the current crisis in Peru. The cable highlights growing tensions between …
President Belaunde visits the city of Ayacucho, in a move to demonstrate a united civil-military approach to terrorism and economic decay. The document notes that opposition figures and the press …