Chilean Judge Allows Lawsuit Against Peruvian President for Massacre of Communists

A Chilean human rights organization is attempting to bring charges against Peruvian President Alan Garcia, who in addition to his current reign was president during the 1985-1990 period. On June 19th, 1986, hundreds of revolutionary prisoners under the leadership of the Communist Party of Peru were massacred on Garcia's orders. This day came to be known among revolutionaries around the world as the Day of Heroism. The prisoners truly turned the dungeons into shining trenches of combat, marking a milestone of resistance.

From the Cuban Latin Press:

Chile: Lawsuit against Alan Garcia Accepted

Santiago,
Chile, Jul 4 (Prensa Latina) Santiago's Second Criminal Court agreed on Tuesday
to a lawsuit filed against Peruvian president-elect Alan Garcia for serious
human rights violations committed during his first term (1985-1990).

Judge Romy Rutherford ruled that events attributed to the former ruler
constitute crimes against humanity, which are unprescribable and have
international competence.

The lawsuit was filed on Jun 22 by leaders of
the Committee of Peruvian Refugees Living in Chile, Raul Paiva and Rodolfo
Noriega, on occasion of a visit paid to Santiago by Garcia to meet President
Michelle Bachelet.

The judicial action is sponsored by Chilean human
rights lawyers Hugo Gutierrez and Roberto Avila. It refers to killings of
inmates occurred on Jun 19, 1986, El Fonton, San Juan de Lurigancho and Santa
Barbara prisons.

The crimes occurred when the prisoners, who belonged to
Sendero Luminoso and other radical groups, rebelled to avoid being transferred
to the high security prison of Canto Grande, where conditions were even
worse. (End Item)