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| Latin America |
| Jailed Peru Rebel Chief Lays Down Arms |
| 2003-09-18 |
| That’s easier to do when you’re in jail, isn’t it? The imprisoned leader of a Peruvian rebel group that was once involved in a lengthy hostage drama says his group has given up armed conflict and now wants to become a political movement. Since they’re all dead or in jail. In an interview published in Wednesday’s Peru21 newspaper, Victor Polay acknowledged that the Tupac Amaru Revolutionary Movement has been defeated. ``The moment has arrived for the MRTA to actively join the political fight, within the framework of democracy,’’ said Polay, using the group’s initials in Spanish. Sure, no probs, once you finish your life sentence. He said he would like authorities to grant amnesty to imprisoned MRTA guerrillas. ``I hope there will be a political way out for my companions, the majority of them young people who have been in prison for an average of 12 years,’’ he said. "They were just impressionable kids trying to hook up with girls!" The Cuba-inspired Tupac Amaru Revolutionary Movement, along with the larger Shining Path, helped plunge Peru into chaos in the 1980s and early 1990s. Che was Cuba-inspired too, right up to the moment he bought the farm in Bolivia. The MRTA grabbed the world’s attention in December 1996 when 14 of its members seized the Japanese ambassador’s residence during a cocktail party and held 72 hostages for four months. A raid by army commandoes freed 71 of the captives but left one hostage and all the guerrillas dead. Condolences to the family of the dead hostage. Guerrillas got what they deserved. Polay was first captured in 1989, but escaped in a prison break a year later. Police recaptured him in 1992. This guy isn’t much good at anything, is he? |
| Posted by:Steve White |
| #2 My brother worked in Peru in the 90's,as a driller(mineral exploration)he had to have an armed gaurd everywhere he whent. |
| Posted by: raptor 2003-9-18 8:05:37 AM |
| #1 Who was it said you can't defeat a terrorist group? The defeat of these guys isn't unique. It takes consistent pressure, the destruction of the leaders and as many followers as possible, and the support of most of the people who live in the terrorized nation. Peru did a good job with these guys. |
| Posted by: R. McLeod 2003-9-18 2:25:41 AM |