Jo-Marie Burt witnessed the first week of former President Alberto Fujimori's trial in Lima as an accredited observer for WOLA. Here is her report. The trial of Alberto Fujimori started …
Books & Articles
18 documents in Truth and Reconciliation Commission - Peru
The senators ask the President to release critical information related to Montesinos, and Shining Path
Human rights NGOs and journalists attribute the recent human rights abuses in Upper Huanuco Valley to the military's counter-terrorist operations. While the document asserts that the U.S. Embassy has not …
This comprehensive report covers all the areas related to the human rights issues during this year from the point of view of the American Embassy in Lima.
Documentation for Peruvian Political Asylum Cases. Attachments: Attachment Citation/Description A Jorge Gonzales-Lara, "Facts on Peru," New York, 1992. Brief summary of the geography, culture, demography, history, political system, political parties, …
The effects of the economic crisis and of adjustment policies on the already miserable quality of life for the overwhelming majority of Peruvians must be added to the mix. The …
This comprehensive report covers all the areas related to the human rights issues during this year from the point of view of the American Embassy in Lima.
This comprehensive report covers all the areas related to the human rights issues during this year. The report was prepared by the State Department for the Committee of Foreign Affairs …
This comprehensive report covers all the areas related to the human rights issues during this year from the point of view of the American Embassy in Lima.
Report submitted by the Embassy of USA in Peru on the situation of human rights during the year 1988 Section 1 respect for the integrity of the person Section 2 …
This cable discusses the problems of the investigation into the May 14th Cayara massacre, including conflicting eyewitness testimony. Based on information from an embassy source and other reliable information, the …
Report submitted by the Embassy of USA in Peru on the situation of human rights during the year 1987 Section 1 respect for the integrity of the person Section 2 …
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 …
THE FOLLOWING IS THE FINAL TEXT OF THE 1986 HUMAN RIGHTS REPORT AS IT WAS DELIVERED TO CONGRESS JAN. 31 Section 1 respect for the integrity of the person Section …
The document discusses conflicting reports put forward by the military and independent journalists, over the killings of between 12 and 13 people in Ayacucho in October. Military accounts claim that …
This document describes the continued aftermath of the prison riots and massacres, including the probable resignation of the Minister of Justice and the Minister of the Interior. Policemen arrested following …
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 …
PROVIDED PARA 3 IS THE FINAL TEXT OF THE ANNUAL HUMAN RIGHTS REPORT ON PERU FOR 1984, WHICH WILL SHORTLY BE TRANSMITTED TO CONGRESS. THE REPORT IS CONFIDENTIAL AND NOT …
Showing 1–18 of 18 documents
Timeline Events 50
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Investigation and Legal Proceedings Against Peruvian Military Officials
In 2003, the Peruvian judicial system initiated legal proceedings against several military officials, including Vladimiro Montesinos Torres and Nicolás de Bari Hermoza Ríos, for their involvement in the homicide of Eduardo Nicolás Cruz Sánchez, Herma Luz Meléndez Cueva, and Víctor Salomón Peceros Pedraza. The investigation, led by the Peruvian National …
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Alleged Arbitrary Executions During Fujimori's Presidency
The report discusses the alleged arbitrary executions of subversives Herma Luz Meléndez Cueva and Víctor Salomón Peceros Pedraza, which are linked to a military operation under the command of former President Alberto Fujimori. The operation involved high-ranking officials like Vladimiro Montesinos and General Nicolás de Bari Hermoza. The incident raises …
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Exhumations in Totos, Ayacucho
In August 2003, exhumations took place in Totos, Ayacucho, revealing the remains of individuals who disappeared during the armed conflict in Peru. The event highlighted the deep impact of the conflict on personal identities, as many people were forced to alter or hide their names and familial ties to avoid …
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Assassination Plot Against Pedro Huilca Tecse
On July 10, 2003, Alayo Calderón reaffirmed his allegations before a subcommittee investigating a constitutional complaint against former President Alberto Fujimori. The complaint involved the assassination of Pedro Huilca Tecse, a union leader allegedly targeted by the Colina Group, a death squad. Calderón testified about a plan to eliminate Huilca …
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Barrientos Family Home Invasion
On March 24, 2003, the Barrientos family home was violently invaded by a group of armed individuals with military-like demeanor. The attackers, some of whom were identified as linked to Sendero Luminoso, brutally interrogated and assaulted family members, demanding information about Edwin Barrientos Velásquez. The attackers left after vandalizing the …
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Santa Bárbara Massacre
In February 2003, a military patrol detained 15 individuals in the village of Santa Bárbara, Peru, and led them to an abandoned mine. The detainees were shot with FAL rifles and subsequently killed with explosives. The event was investigated by the Commission of Truth and Reconciliation, revealing conflicting testimonies about …
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Letter to the Commission of Truth and Reconciliation
A letter was received by the Commission of Truth and Reconciliation in Ayaviri-Puno, Peru, on January 16, 2003. It was written by women incarcerated in the Chorrillos Women's Special Regime Penitentiary, expressing their hope for justice and reconciliation. The letter highlights their experiences of being sentenced for terrorism and treason, …
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Inconstitutional Ruling on Antiterrorism Decrees
On January 4, 2003, the Constitutional Tribunal of Peru declared several articles of the antiterrorism decrees, enacted since May 1992, unconstitutional. This ruling marked a significant shift away from legislation that was inconsistent with the fundamental principles of a state governed by the rule of law. The decision underscored the …
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Peruvian Armed Conflict and Human Rights Violations
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 …
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Constitutional Court of Peru Ruling on Inhumane Prison Conditions
On 3 January 2003, the Constitutional Court of Peru declared unconstitutional the references to solitary confinement during the first year of imprisonment and single-person cells as outlined in Decree Law No. 25475. The court's decision was based on the protection of personal integrity, deeming these measures as unreasonable, disproportionate, and …
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Peruvian Truth and Reconciliation Commission (CVR) Report
The Peruvian Truth and Reconciliation Commission (CVR) concluded its work after more than two years of investigation into the internal armed conflict in Peru. The report highlighted the atrocities committed by the PCP-SL and the state's response, which also included human rights violations. The CVR emphasized the need for reconciliation …
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Implementation of Law 24150 and its Impact on Human Rights
The report discusses the implementation of Law 24150 in Peru, which established a 'Political-Military Command' that was deemed unconstitutional. This law led to a state of exception that concentrated power in the hands of the military, resulting in severe human rights violations such as torture, forced disappearances, and arbitrary executions. …
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Depuración de Requisitorias y Reformas en el Sistema Judicial Peruano
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 …
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Interview with Abimael Guzmán by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission
Abimael Guzmán Reinoso, the leader of the Shining Path, was interviewed by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. During the interview, Guzmán acknowledged involvement in certain actions but denied participation in others, such as the cases of Huilca, Moyano, and Franco. He mentioned that information about actions was often received through …
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Human Rights Violations by Peruvian Police Forces
The Commission of Truth and Reconciliation reported that the Peruvian police forces were responsible for 6.6% of the deaths and disappearances during the internal conflict in Peru. The primary human rights violations committed by the police included arbitrary detentions and torture, with 1741 cases of torture reported. Of the 2040 …
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Human Rights Violations at Cuartel Los Cabitos Nº 51
The Commission of Truth and Reconciliation gathered evidence indicating that detainees at Cuartel Los Cabitos No. 51 were frequently subjected to interrogations and torture by military and police intelligence personnel. Testimonies, such as that of Esteban Canchari Cacñahuaray, describe the presence of torture equipment and the brutal conditions faced by …
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Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission
The Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in Peru was published in 2003. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the internal conflict in Peru, detailing the roles of various armed groups, political entities, and government bodies. The report aims to uncover the truth about human rights violations and …
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Discrimination and Stigmatization of Ayacuchanos and Ashaninkas
In December 2002, testimonies were collected highlighting the discrimination and stigmatization faced by individuals from Ayacucho and Ashaninka communities in Peru. These groups suffered from societal prejudice due to their ethnic and regional origins, leading to marginalization and a negative impact on their self-esteem and identity. The testimonies also revealed …
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Initiative on Missing Persons Post-Internal Armed Conflict
On November 5, 2002, a joint initiative was launched by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the Ombudsman's Office, the National Coordinator for Human Rights, and the International Committee of the Red Cross to address the issue of missing persons resulting from political violence in Peru between 1980 and 2000. The …
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Disappearance of a Husband in San Carlos, Huancavelica
In November 2002, a woman recounted the disappearance of her husband in San Carlos, Huancavelica. This event is part of a broader context of violence and unrest in Peru, which led to increased consumption of coca and alcohol as coping mechanisms among the affected population.
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Assassination of a Son in Vinchos
In November 2002, a mother recounted the tragic assassination of her son in Vinchos, a district in Huamanga, Ayacucho. The testimony highlights the personal impact of violence on families during this period, as the mother reflects on the loss and its effect on her life.
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Assassination of Family Members in Pomahuasi, Huanta Ayacucho
In November 2002, a testimony was recorded detailing the assassination of family members in Pomahuasi, Huanta Ayacucho. This event is part of a series of human rights violations reported in the region. The testimonies highlight the ongoing struggle for justice and the impact on surviving family members.
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Disappearances in Ayacucho and Huánuco
In November 2002, testimonies were recorded about the disappearance of individuals in Ayacucho and Huánuco, Peru. Families of the disappeared expressed a deep need to know the fate of their loved ones to regain peace of mind. The testimonies highlight the ongoing hope and struggle of families to find answers …
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Detention of Samuel Dyer
Samuel Dyer, an entrepreneur, was detained by Colonel PNP Domínguez Solís and taken to the Comandancia General del Ejército in San Borja, known as 'Pentagonito'. He was handed over without formal documentation and later subjected to mistreatment by soldiers. His detention was publicized by the media, leading to false reports …
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Legal Proceedings Against Vladimiro Montesinos and Others
On October 4, 2002, the Second Special Criminal Court of Lima initiated legal proceedings against Vladimiro Montesinos Torres and several others. They were accused of being co-authors of crimes against life, body, and health, including aggravated homicide and kidnapping, in the case of Pedro Herminio Yauri Bustamante. Additionally, others were …
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Torture and Detention in Ayacucho
In October 2002, a detainee was held and tortured in Tomanga, Sarhua, Ayacucho, Peru. The individual was subjected to physical abuse and forced to confess to alleged connections with terrorist groups such as PCP-SL and MRTA. The detainee was kept in harsh conditions without legal representation, highlighting the human rights …
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Sexual Violence Against Women in Peru
The testimony from October 2002 highlights the severe sexual violence perpetrated against women by soldiers in Huánuco, Peru. Victims were subjected to extreme humiliation and abuse, leading to long-lasting trauma and a deep sense of injustice. Many survivors struggled with feelings of shame and societal stigma, often remaining silent about …
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Disappearances and Violence in Peru
In October 2002, multiple testimonies were recorded in Peru detailing instances of violence, disappearances, and unjust accusations. Individuals reported being wrongfully accused of subversion and facing impunity when seeking justice. The testimonies highlight the indiscriminate nature of the violence and the struggle for truth and accountability.
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Violence and Social Fabric Destruction in Peru
The text discusses the impact of violence on communities in Peru, highlighting the practice of assassinating individuals in front of their families and neighbors, as well as the destruction of entire villages. This violence aims to dismantle social structures and inhibit political and civic engagement. Efforts to rebuild trust and …
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Assassination in Ocros, Huamanga
In October 2002, a testimony was recorded detailing the assassination of an individual's husband in Ocros, Huamanga, Ayacucho. The event left the community in deep sorrow, as they were unable to properly bury the victims, leading to ongoing feelings of sadness and unrest.
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Testimonies of Political Violence in Peru
The text recounts a harrowing incident during a period of political violence in Peru, where a mother was forced to silence her crying infant to avoid detection by soldiers, resulting in the child's death by asphyxiation. This event is part of a broader narrative of loss and trauma experienced by …
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Reconciliation Efforts and Political Solutions in Peru
In October 2002, discussions were held in Huamanga, Peru, regarding the reconciliation process following the conflict involving the PCP-SL (Shining Path). The PCP-SL called for a political rather than military solution to address their defeat, but did not fully renounce violence as a political tool. The need for a comprehensive …
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Assassination in Aurora, Ayna, La Mar, Ayacucho
In October 2002, testimonies were recorded about the assassination of individuals in Aurora, Ayna, La Mar, Ayacucho. The events were part of a series of violent incidents that affected the region, leaving families without their loved ones. The testimonies highlight the ongoing struggle and emotional impact on those left behind.
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Assassination in Salucc, Ayacucho
In October 2002, a woman reported the assassination of her husband in Salucc, Ayacucho. This event is part of a series of testimonies collected by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in Peru, highlighting the violence and human rights abuses experienced during that period.
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Public Hearing on the Murder of Medical Students
In October 2002, a public hearing was held in Lima to address the case of medical students from the Universidad Nacional Federico Villarreal who were tortured and murdered. The hearing highlighted the involvement of various police officers in the crime, who were not held accountable. The event is part of …
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TPIY Sentencia Celebici
The International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) concluded that torture is prohibited under all aspects of customary and international law. This ruling reinforced the notion that the prohibition of torture is a fundamental obligation that admits no exceptions.
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Human Rights Violations during Antiterrorism Efforts
During a thematic public hearing on September 4, 2002, the Peruvian Truth and Reconciliation Commission (CVR) discussed the misuse of antiterrorism legislation and violations of due process. The hearing highlighted how excessive powers granted to police and military forces led to human rights abuses, including torture and forced confessions, during …
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Public Hearing on Antiterrorism Legislation and Due Process Violations
During a public hearing held on September 4, 2002, Eleuterio Zarate Luján testified before the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (CVR) about issues in the judicial processes for terrorism and treason in Peru. The hearing highlighted concerns over the evaluation of evidence, where police actions and decisions were given undue weight, …
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Testimonies of Human Rights Violations in Peru
In September 2002, testimonies were collected in Lima, Peru, detailing various human rights violations. These included accounts of detention, torture, and murder in regions such as San Pedro, Chulucanas, Piura, and Ticrapo, Castrovirreyna, Huancavelica. The testimonies highlight the role of religion as a source of strength and solace for those …
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Slaughter in Puquio, Lucanas, Ayacucho
In September 2002, a witness reported a massacre that took place in Puquio, located in the Lucanas province of Ayacucho, Peru. The testimony highlights the severe violence and the impact on the local community. This event is part of a larger pattern of violence and human rights abuses in the …
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Incident at Penal Castro-Castro
In September 2002, testimonies from the Penal Castro-Castro in Lima, Peru, describe a tense situation where inmates were gathered in a large area, requesting the presence of commissions and asserting their lack of weapons. Despite their peaceful stance, the situation escalated, leading to further unrest and violence.
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Incident at Penal de Castro-Castro
Inmates at the Penal de Castro-Castro in Lima faced a violent confrontation with police forces. The police used explosives and firearms to breach the facility, resulting in the death of Juan Bardales Rengifo, the first victim of the incident. The police also deployed tear gas and grenades, causing many inmates …
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Testimony of Saturnino Castillo Peralta
Saturnino Castillo Peralta provided a testimony during a public hearing in Abancay, describing his detention and mistreatment. He recounted being held for five days in Cunyac, where he was restrained and deprived of food and water. Following this, he was transferred to a command post where he was subjected to …
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Killing of Benigno Medina
Benigno Medina, a prominent figure in Pujas, Vilcashuamán, was killed under the pretext of being an embodiment of oppression by the PCP-SL. While some community members remember him as generous and supportive, others accuse him of exploiting women, with the tacit consent of their husbands. His death and the subsequent …
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Extrajudicial Executions in Sancaypata
In August 2002, the Commission of Truth and Reconciliation conducted inspections in Sancaypata, uncovering evidence of extrajudicial executions. The victims were allegedly detained, forced to dig their own graves, and executed by orders of Captain Santiago Picón Pesantes, known as 'Capitán Chacal'. An exhumation revealed disturbed graves, with remains of …
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Public Hearing on Human Rights Cases in Abancay
In August 2002, a public hearing was held in Abancay to address human rights cases. The testimony of Wilfredo Torres Pozo was among those presented, highlighting issues of justice, solidarity, and the need for societal reconciliation. This event was part of broader efforts to address past injustices and promote a …
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Public Hearing on Violence and Human Rights in Peru
In August 2002, a public hearing was held in Tingo María, Peru, where testimonies were given about the lack of human rights protections and the prevalence of violence. Juana Peña Núñez, among others, expressed concerns about the government's failure to protect its citizens and the absence of practical enforcement of …
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Military Occupation in Raucana
On July 18, 2002, military forces set up camp in Raucana, taking control of the area. This unexpected occupation led to tensions among the local population, their leaders, and the military. The presence of the military was met with resistance, and there were issues with the distribution of food supplies, …
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Military Occupation and Census in Peru
The text describes the experiences of local populations during a military occupation in Peru. Soldiers, many of whom were from provinces and suffered from hunger and cold, were involved in conducting a census and capturing undocumented individuals. The military's presence was marked by tension and fear, as they organized raids …
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Use of Shackles in Prison Transfers
Pilar Coll, a pastoral care agent, testified about the cruel and degrading treatment of prisoners being transferred to hospitals or court proceedings while shackled. The shackles, which bound prisoners' hands and feet with a chain, created a humiliating spectacle reminiscent of scenes from movies about galley convicts. This practice was …