The two main Peruvian rebel groups, both leftist, are the Maoist group Shining Path (Sendero Luminoso) and the Cuban-inspired Tupac Amaru Revolutionary Movement (Movimiento Revolucionario Tupac Amaru). Both organizations operated …
Books & Articles
5 documents in Truth and Reconciliation Commission - Peru
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 …
US Department of State Dispatch, March 23, 1992 by Bernard W. Aronson. Statement before the Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere Affairs of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, March 12, 1992. I …
TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1 I. POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC BACKGROUND 3 A. Introduction 3 B. Recent Political History 5 1. 1968-1980 5 2. 1980-1985 6 3. 1985-1990 6 4. …
Established by former atomic scientists in 1945, the Federation of American Scientists (FAS) is a non-profit civic organization concerned with issues of science and society, and international security issues. The …
Showing 1–5 of 5 documents
Timeline Events 50
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Political Violence in Chungui and the 'Oreja de Perro'
The study examines the political violence experienced in the district of Chungui, Ayacucho, and the region known as the 'Oreja de Perro'. It highlights the community's demands for state support to foster development and address socio-economic issues. The report underscores the ongoing struggles and the potential for unrest due to …
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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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Disappearances in Ayacucho and Huancavelica
In November 2002, testimonies were collected from individuals in Ayacucho and Huancavelica, Peru, detailing the disappearance of family members during a period of political violence. These accounts highlight the long-lasting emotional and social impacts on survivors, who often grew up in disrupted family structures. The testimonies underscore the need for …
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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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Truth and Reconciliation Efforts in Ayacucho, Peru
In October 2002, efforts were made in Ayacucho, Peru, to address the aftermath of political violence through truth and reconciliation initiatives. Testimonies were gathered from individuals, including women and family members of victims, who shared their experiences and sought to reconcile past grievances. The process emphasized the importance of truth …
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Violence and Human Rights Violations in Peru
In 2002, various interviews and studies were conducted in Peru to document the impact of political violence and human rights violations. The reports highlight the loss of labor markets and the stigma associated with being labeled as violent. The state was criticized for its inability to provide economic reparations, and …
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Seminar on the aftermath of political violence and reconciliation
In 2002, a seminar was held in Lima, Peru, to reflect on the aftermath of political violence and the process of reconciliation. The event aimed to address the integration of diverse communities into a unified national identity, emphasizing the importance of political and civic integration. The discussions highlighted the distrust …
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Political Violence in Huancasancos Province
During the political violence in the province of Huancasancos, women were disproportionately affected by extrajudicial executions and assassinations. The data from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (CVR) indicates that 23% of the 11,319 people killed were women. Unlike men, women's deaths were not selective by age, suggesting they were more …
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Victims of Political Violence Organize for Human Rights
In 2002, victims of political violence in Peru began organizing to defend their human rights. They coordinated efforts to search for disappeared family members, seek the release of innocent prisoners, clarify the facts of their cases, and pursue compensation. These efforts were supported by human rights organizations and family groups.
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Political Violence and Its Impact on Communities in Peru
The testimonies from various interviews and public hearings in 2002 highlight the severe impact of political violence on communities in Peru, particularly in regions like Accomarca, Ayacucho. The violence led to increased poverty as people shifted their focus from agriculture to community security. This period also fostered deep-seated distrust and …
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Impact of Political Violence on Peruvian Communities
The political violence in Peru led to significant economic hardships for affected communities. Families lost their means of subsistence, leading to widespread poverty and forcing many to relocate in search of better living conditions. Testimonies collected by the CVR in 2002 highlight the struggles faced by these communities, including increased …
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Diagnóstico sobre derechos individuales y colectivos vulnerados en las comunidades de los distritos de Río Tambo y San Martín de Pangoa
This report, prepared by Connie Gálvez Revollar and Beatriz Fabián Arias, examines the individual and collective rights violations in the communities of Río Tambo and San Martín de Pangoa. These communities were affected by political violence from 1980 to 1995. The document provides an in-depth analysis of the impact of …
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End of the Japanese Embassy Hostage Crisis
The Japanese Embassy hostage crisis, which began in December 1996, reached its conclusion in April 1997. The crisis ended with a military operation known as Operation Chavín de Huántar, which resulted in the deaths of several hostages and members of the insurgent group. The operation was a significant event in …
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Hostage-taking by MRTA in 1997
In 1997, the Movimiento Revolucionario Túpac Amaru (MRTA) took hostages in a significant event that drew international attention. Bishop Cipriani played a notable role during this crisis. The incident highlighted the ongoing political violence in Peru during this period.
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Liberation of Presumed Subversives in Peru
In 1995, 600 individuals suspected of subversive activities were released from prisons across Peru. This action was facilitated by judicial resolutions, as reported by Juan Nakandakari Kanashiro, the head of the National Penitentiary Institute (INPE), to the special prosecutor Julia Eguía Dávalos. The release was part of a broader context …
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Massacre in Ajoyani and Antauta
On the night of January 2, 1993, four people were murdered in Ajoyani and three in Antauta, both located in the Puno department of Peru. These killings were carried out by members of the self-proclaimed Communist Party of Peru-Sendero Luminoso. The group targeted local authorities to create a power vacuum …
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Assassination of Mayoral Candidates in VES
In January 1993, two mayoral candidates, Rolando Galindo and A. Pantigoso, were assassinated in VES, Peru. These killings were part of the PCP-SL's strategy to create 'power vacuums' during the local elections. While the PCP-SL was suspected to be behind these murders, there were doubts about their involvement, particularly in …
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Assassination Attempt on PNP Commander in Surquillo
In November 1992, a special detachment from the Zona Sur agreed in San Juan de Miraflores to plan an assassination attempt on a PNP Commander from the Surquillo station. The operation was in retaliation for the commander's involvement in the capture of President Gonzalo. The plan involved a tactical operation …
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The Influence of PCP-SL in VES and the Sixth Convention of CUAVES
In August 1992, the Sixth Convention of CUAVES in Villa El Salvador was heavily influenced by the PCP-SL, a Peruvian insurgent group. The convention, which was marked by political violence and manipulation, saw the PCP-SL exert significant control, leading to the removal of Roque Quispe as secretary general. The event …
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Assassinations by PCP-SL in Huanta and Surrounding Areas
In April 1992, a series of targeted assassinations were carried out by the Shining Path (PCP-SL) in Huanta, Peru. Key figures, including the brother of a local leader and a former leader of a housing association, were killed. These actions were part of a broader strategy by the PCP-SL to …
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Massacre in the Community of Apiza
On January 19, 1992, combined forces of the Peruvian Army and National Police entered the community of Apiza in search of members of the PCP-SL. During this incursion, 32 people were brutally tortured and killed by state forces. This event occurred in a region heavily affected by political violence, where …
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Sendero Luminoso's Influence and Armed Strikes in Lima
In 1992, the Maoist organization Sendero Luminoso intensified its presence in Lima, particularly in areas like Villa El Salvador. They aimed to demonstrate the inefficiency of peaceful social change strategies and to radicalize popular struggles against the state. The organization orchestrated armed strikes, combining various forms of agitation and violence …
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Community Negotiations and Conflicts in Puno
During the early 1990s, particularly in 1992, communities in Puno, Peru, experienced a complex landscape of negotiations and conflicts. Amidst attempts at eviction and intimidation, new agreements emerged between recently formed cooperatives and communities, while older groups faced marginalization. The presence of the PCP-SL influenced local dynamics, with some communities …
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Assassination of Polish Priests and Local Officials by Shining Path
On August 9, 1991, members of the Shining Path (PCP-SL) assassinated two Polish priests, Miguel Tomaszek and Zbigniew Strzalkowski, along with local officials, including the mayor Justino León Maza, in the area known as 'Pueblo Viejo'. The attackers left signs with communist symbols and slogans on the bodies. The following …
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Disappearance of Zenón Huamaní Chuchón and Others
In April 1991, Zenón Huamaní Chuchón, a teacher and secretary general of the SUTEP in the province of Víctor Fajardo, Ayacucho, along with other teachers and members of a leftist electoral list, were detained by a military patrol and subsequently disappeared. This event occurred amidst a period of political violence …
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The Barrios Altos Massacre
In 1991, the Barrios Altos Massacre shocked Peru as it marked the first mass killing of civilians in the capital amidst escalating political violence in urban centers. The massacre led to a Senate Human Rights Commission hearing on November 10, 1991, where former Interior and Defense Ministers were questioned but …
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Assassination of Pomacanchi District Officials
On the 18th and 19th of September, members of the PCP-SL (Shining Path) assassinated Julián Choque Mamani, the mayor of Pomacanchi district, and Antonio Condori Galloso, the governor of Mosoqllacta. These targeted killings were part of a series of violent acts carried out by the Shining Path in their ongoing …
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Murder of Jaime Cerrón Palomino
Jaime Cerrón Palomino, the academic vice-rector of a university, was abducted from his home on June 9, 1990, along with his driver, Armando Tapia Gutiérrez. Their bodies were discovered on June 17, 1990, in the district of Sincos, showing signs of severe torture and execution. This event is part of …
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Assassinations by PCP-SL in Peru
In March 1990, the Communist Party of Peru - Shining Path (PCP-SL) carried out a series of targeted assassinations against political figures in Peru. These included the killing of Julián Huamaní Yauri in Ayacucho, Mariano Meza and Dr. José La Torre in Huánuco, and José Dhaga del Castillo in Junín. …
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Assassination of Reynaldo Sáenz Tascano
On February 7, 1990, Reynaldo Sáenz Tascano, a 55-year-old parish priest from the Vincentian order, was assassinated by four unidentified individuals while traveling to Huancayo. This event occurred amidst a period of political violence in Peru, where both church figures and civilians were targeted. The incident reflects the broader climate …
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PCP-SL's Failed Attack on SAIS Sollocota
In January 1990, the main column of the Shining Path (PCP-SL) suffered a significant setback when their attempt to attack the SAIS Sollocota installations failed. This marked the beginning of the end for their operations in the region, as it led to the dismantling of their main column and support …
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Assassination of Alejandro Calderón
Alejandro Calderón, an Asháninka leader, was assassinated in December 1989. His death occurred during a period of heightened political violence in Peru, marked by the activities of groups like the MRTA and PCP-SL. This event contributed to the growing sense of insecurity and vulnerability among the population.
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Assassination of Enrique Castillo and Subsequent Threats by PCP-SL
In October 1989, Enrique Castillo, a labor leader, was assassinated by the Shining Path (PCP-SL), marking a turning point for many who initially viewed the group as misguided but seeking justice. Following this, prominent figures like Mayor Johny Rodríguez and ex-Mayor Michel Azcueta faced death threats and assassination attempts by …
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Violence and Political Turmoil in Peru
In October 1989, Peru experienced significant political violence amidst an electoral campaign. The MRTA kidnapped Héctor Delgado Parker, and several political figures, including mayors and candidates, were assassinated. The province of Huanta saw candidates withdraw due to death threats, and a military operation in Atcas resulted in the disappearance of …
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Assassination of Fermín Darío Azparrent Taipe
Fermín Darío Azparrent Taipe, the mayor of Huamanga in Ayacucho, was assassinated by a death squad of the Communist Party of Peru - Shining Path (PCP-SL) on 19 September 1989. Prior to his assassination, he had been the target of various threats from alleged members of the PCP-SL and the …
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Assassination of Bárbara D’Achille and Esteban by Sendero Luminoso
On 31 May 1989, members of the Communist Party of Peru - Sendero Luminoso assassinated journalist and conservationist Bárbara D'Achille and engineer Esteban in Huarmicocha, Huando, Huancavelica. This event was part of the broader violence in the region, where Sendero Luminoso had been active in recruiting militants and engaging in …
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Assassination of Marcelino Pachari Roselló by PCP Sendero Luminoso
On May 19, 1989, the PCP Sendero Luminoso assassinated Marcelino Pachari Roselló, the mayor of Azángaro, while he was inspecting the reconstruction of a bridge previously destroyed by the group. This event was part of a series of violent actions by the PCP-SL in the region, which included further attacks …
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Massacre in Yumbatos by MRTA
On May 1, 1989, nine people were killed by a column of the Movimiento Revolucionario Túpac Amaru (MRTA) in the village of Yumbatos. The murders were carried out in retaliation against those who refused to collaborate with the MRTA or were accused of being informants for the government forces. The …
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Massacre of Communal Authorities in Chongos Alto
On April 12, 1989, in the district of Chongos Alto, Huancayo, Junín, forty members of the Shining Path (PCP-SL) killed twelve communal authorities from the districts of Chongos Alto and Chicche. This event was part of a broader strategy by the Shining Path to destabilize the region by targeting local …
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Assassination of Political and Municipal Authorities in Peru
In 1989, Peru experienced the highest number of assassinations of political and municipal authorities during the internal conflict that spanned from 1980 to 1995. Approximately 500 municipal and political figures were killed, with a significant number being mayors from the Partido Aprista. The violence led to a mass abandonment of …
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Assassinations in Tarapoto by MRTA
In 1989, eight individuals were assassinated in Tarapoto, Peru, by the MRTA, a subversive organization. The victims included César Marcelino Carvajal, Max Pérez Velásquez, Luis Mogollón, Alberto Chong Rojas, Rafael Gonzales, Carlos Piedra, Raúl Chumbe Rodríguez, and Jhony Achuy. These acts were part of a broader campaign by the MRTA …
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Third CONFIEP Congress
In 1989, during the Third Congress of CONFIEP, the issue of political violence, particularly from the PCP-SL, was discussed among Peruvian business leaders. Despite the significant impact of violence on private property, the primary focus of the business community remained on economic and labor policies. A survey conducted by the …
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Violence Against Religious Figures in Huánuco During Political Turmoil
During the political violence in Huánuco, Peru, religious figures faced significant threats and violence. In 1989, in the district of Huarín, members of the Sendero Luminoso (SL) killed a seminarian and two catechists while targeting Father Víctor Fabián for his anti-Marxist sermons. The violence in the region resulted in the …
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Assassination of Marcial Capeletti and Fermín Azparrent
In 1989, during a period of intense political violence in Peru, the Shining Path (PCP-SL) was responsible for the assassination of Marcial Capeletti, a lawyer and leader of the ruling Aprista Party, while he was teaching at the university. In the same year, the mayor of Huamanga, Fermín Azparrent, was …
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Assassination of Saúl Cantoral
In 1989, Saúl Cantoral, the president of the Federation of Miners, was assassinated in San Juan de Lurigancho by the Comando Rodrigo Franco, a paramilitary group linked to the Ministry of the Interior and the Police. The assassination was part of a broader campaign of violence against opposition leaders, which …
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Violence and Intimidation by PCP-SL at a University
In 1989, the PCP-SL (Shining Path) engaged in violent and intimidating actions at a university in Peru. They disrupted classes, pressured faculty appointments, and targeted students and faculty who opposed them. Notable incidents include the murder of a police officer on March 12 and the killing of three students on …
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Sendero Luminoso Offensive in Huancavelica
In 1989, the Sendero Luminoso, a Maoist guerrilla group, intensified its activities in the Huancavelica region of Peru. This offensive included a series of violent actions such as assassinations, sabotage, and armed confrontations. Notable incidents include the assassination of ten campesinos in Santa Rosa de Pachaccalla and the killing of …
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State of Emergency in Junín, Peru
On November 4, 1988, a State of Emergency was declared in the department of Junín, Peru, through Supreme Decree N°044-88-IN. This decree suspended constitutional guarantees related to personal freedom and security, inviolability of domicile, freedom of assembly, and freedom of movement. The state of emergency was extended multiple times and …
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Senate Commission Report on Violence and Pacification in Peru
In October 1988, the Peruvian Senate approved a comprehensive report by a special commission tasked with interpreting the causes of political violence and proposing pacification strategies. The report included 18 recommendations, such as seeking a National Agreement for Peace and developing an integrated anti-subversive strategy based on national reconciliation. The …
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Political Violence in the Eastern Cone of Lima
The Eastern Cone of Lima was a significant site of political violence during the late 1980s, primarily due to strategic urban considerations identified by the Communist Party of Peru - Shining Path (PCP-SL). The area was targeted for its working-class sectors and newly established human settlements, making it a priority …