Promulgation of Anti-Terrorism Decree Law 046
Government enacts first anti-terrorism law to criminalize terrorism
Interior Minister Jose Maria de la Jara presented to the Council of Ministers the anti-terrorist decree-law 046 in February 1981, which was the first effort of the government to respond legally to the PCP-SL attacks and in which the crime of terrorism was typified. This decree was challenged by leftist representatives, but was finally promulgated on March 10. The APRA and the United Left expressed their concern about the dangers that this measure could represent for the exercise of freedom of expression, press and association.