The Senderistas of El Frontón

In September 1982, journalist Gustavo Gorriti, head of the security section at CARETAS magazine, achieved a singular scoop that was featured in issue No. 715. Accompanied by photographer Oscar Medrano, he not only landed on the El Frontón prison island but entered the Blue Pavilion, which was already then territory controlled by Sendero Luminoso, and managed to interview several of its 'spokespeople.' In 1986, Sendero simultaneously took hostages at Lurigancho, Santa Bárbara, and El Frontón. The government's reaction proved catastrophic at Lurigancho, and the El Frontón case remains mired in judicial proceedings with President García himself as a witness. Few, however, remember the chronology of events. Published on February 15, 2007.