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Peru

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January 20, 2006  Peruvian human rights defenders fear politically hostile climate

A European Parliament resolution adopted yesterday, calling for the extradition of former Peruvian president, Alberto Fujimori, from Chile to stand trial in Peru, was welcomed by Peruvian human rights organizations.

CSW partner, Peace and Hope (Paz Y Esperanza), however, said that while they welcomed any moves to bring Fujimori to justice, they were concerned about a climate of increasing hostility aimed at human rights defenders in that country.

In the run-up to national elections in April 2006, a number of politicians have taken to publicly calling human rights NGOs supporters of terrorism, and certain national newspapers have echoed those accusations. These accusations are extremely inflammatory in a country still recovering from 20 years of brutal acts of violence committed against civilians. These were carried out by both leftist guerrilla groups and the Peruvian state security forces, and have caused a number of human rights workers in that country to express fear for their safety and that of their family. A number have been the recipients of direct threats.

The Daily Express, a Peruvian newspaper, recently printed a list of human rights NGOs that it said “manipulated justice”.  The list included internationally respected NGOs such as Amnesty International alongside CSW partner organization, Peace and Hope. This evangelical Christian human rights organization has been active in investigating human rights atrocities committed by the military and by the Shining Path against civilians, and pushing for those responsible to face trial.

CSW is asking its supporters to urge their members of Congress to look for ways to push for the US to take a strong stance on the protection of human rights workers and organizations in Peru, and particularly in the run up to the national elections.

Mervyn Thomas, Chief Executive of CSW-UK, said, “We are extremely concerned for the safety of our partners in Peru as well as the many other organizations working to bring about justice and a respect for human rights in that country; and we reiterate our staunch support for them and for their work.  The work of these organizations plays an important role in ensuring that national reconciliation in Peru truly occurs and also in the establishment of a strong, functioning democracy.  It is vital the international community send a strong message to all political candidates in Peru that this kind of rhetoric cannot be tolerated.  While we support freedom of the press, it is important this is not abused to actually put human rights defenders in serious danger."

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March 9, 2005   Mistaken identity leads to arrest of church leader for terrorism

A Protestant pastor was arrested and detained on March 3 2005 in Lima , Peru on false charges of terrorism. 

Pastor Jose Garcia Pena, who pastors an evangelical church in Cuzco , was visiting Lima with his wife and planned to meet with a Peruvian congressman, Walter Alejos, to discuss a business matter.  But when Pastor Garcia presented himself for security clearance, he was informed there was a warrant for his arrest and was promptly arrested and imprisoned. His name apparently appeared on wanted lists for crimes of terrorism issued by courts  in the northern cities of Piura and Lambayeque.  According to Pastor Garcia he has never visited the area, which is hundreds of kilometres to the northwest of Cuzco and he has never been involved in any terrorist activity.  It appears that he is a victim of mistaken identity, as the warrants carry only a name and no other identifying information to avoid arresting someone with the same name.

CSW’s Peruvian partners at Paz y Esperanza (Peace and Hope), who work for the release of those unjustly held on terrorism offences, say Pastor Garcia’s arrest highlights ongoing problems in the Peruvian justice system. These problems date from disgraced ex-President Alberto Fujimori’s anti-terrorism campaign, and have yet to be addressed by the Peruvian government.

According to Paz y Esperanza, more than 12,300 Peruvians have warrants out for their arrest, dating from Fujimori’s crackdown on terrorism. 

Wuille Ruiz, a lawyer who works for Paz y Esperanza, said: “With this situation, it is possible that any one of us might lose our freedom and find ourselves in this unjust situation. We can be arrested just because there is a warrant or a detention order against us, with no other information against us apart from our name. No other details like our national identity number, date of birth, marital status, etc, are held to check the name against, making this situation simply absurd.” 

NOTES TO EDITORS:

Former President Fujimori implemented a series of draconian policies, including the use of faceless judges and civilian informers, to wipe out militant leftist groups the Shining Path and the Tupac Amaru Revolutionary Movement.  While this was successful in capturing many guerrillas, including those in key leadership positions, hundreds of innocent people were also caught up and imprisoned, a fact the Peruvian government has recognized in the face of condemnation from the international community.  While prisoners are able to submit their cases for review, many of the 12,300 Peruvians on the wanted list have no idea that their names are included and it is virtually impossible to have one’s name removed.

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February 17, 2005  Urgent prayer for Peruvian human rights defender

Dear Friends,

We have received the following message asking for urgent prayer from our partners in Peru , Paz y Esperanza (Peace and Hope).   We would be very grateful if you could spare a few moments to pray. Please accept our apologies if you received this message earlier this week – we have been experiencing some technical difficulties with our urgent action email list.

Thank you for your continued support.

CSW Advocacy Team.

The message reads:

“Peace & Hope Partnership International and Paz y Esperanza in Peru ask that you pray for the safety of Cristina Olazabal. Ms. Olazabal is the Special Prosecutor for Human Rights in Ayacucho , Peru . She is in charge of prosecuting human rights cases that occurred the Peruvian Province of Ayacucho throughout the last 25 years.

“She recently brought charges against ex-President Alan Garcia and other military officials for allowing the massacre of 62 peasants in 1985. She is receiving threats from several sectors because she is carrying out her duties to uphold the law.

“Paz y Esperanza, an evangelical human rights organization in Peru that serves the Lord in the poorest areas of the country, has come to know Ms. Olazabal as a woman of integrity with a strong sense of justice. However, she is fearful for her life.   We prayed with her and her staff at that time. Please pray for her now.

·          Ms. Olazabal, her staff, and other officials who struggle to uphold the law in Peru despite the danger to their lives—pray for their safety, perseverance, integrity and peace of mind that comes from Jesus Christ and transcends all understanding.

·          The family members of the victims of this crime and other similar crimes in Peru —pray that they would be comforted and consoled and receive healing.

·          The perpetrators of these crimes—pray that they would come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and receive forgiveness for their sins and ask for forgiveness from society and the victims’ family for the damage they have caused.

·          Pray for a cleaning up of the Peruvian justice system, for an end to corruption and intimidation of honest public officials.

Thank you for your prayers! Please share this with others!”

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May 11, 2004   Prayer for Peruvian Christian

Dear Friends,

Many of you will be familiar with the case of Walter Cubas Baltazar a Peruvian Christian who has spent the last 11 years in prison after being wrongly accused and convicted of terrorism.

CSW has supported Walter's case for more than five years through our Peruvian partners Peace and Hope. His lawyer, Wuille Ruiz Figueroa, is himself a former prisoner who was found innocent and released after spending five years in prison.

Wuille has written to us asking that we pray on Friday, May 14th, when Walter will have a critical hearing in the national terrorism courts. The case could then go on for up to four months before the judge hands down a decision. The public prosecutor is asking that he be given a 20 year sentence.

Please pray for the hearing and for the outcome of the case. The following points may help as a guide:

* Pray for wisdom for Wuille and for Walter as they present their case. Ask God to speak through Wuille as he represents Walter.
* Pray for the judges and other government officials who will have an influence on how the case is decided. Ask God to give them open hearts and minds and to come to a decision with integrity.
* Pray for Walter as he continues to wait inside the prison. Ask God to give him strength and hope for the future.
* Pray for Walter's family and especially his teenage children who have now spent more than a decade without their father at home. Ask God to take away any anxiety they may be feeling and to fill them with hope. Pray that their family will be reunited soon.

Thank you

Background:

Walter Cubas Baltazar
Miguel Castro Castro Prison, Lima
Married, Four children, three grandchildren
Sentenced to Life in Prison, 11 years served

As a child Walter was very active in the Roman Catholic Church and believed in God. Later in life he began to attend a Pentecostal church regularly. He told CSW that he used to take his Bible to the fish factory where he worked, to share his faith with his friends and co-workers.

He also participated in union activity, focused on bettering work conditions for the employees who worked excessive hours - from early morning until late at night. As a result of this activity he was considered a troublemaker by some. He believes this may be the motive behind his arrest. When he was detained he was deeply shocked at accusations that he was violent. He didn't even know how to use a weapon. Everyone knew he was always in church and the thought of using violence against anyone had never occurred to him or others. Even his boss at the factory spoke up on his behalf.

When he was detained and tortured he remembered a song taken from the verse, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," and another song from Joshua 1:9-10: "This is my command, be strong, be resolute; do not be fearful or discouraged, for wherever you go the Lord your God is with you." Walter testified that God gave him strength through this ordeal. Although prison conditions have become relatively better in recent years, Walter's cell, built for two, is shared by three men. They take turns rotating beds - and one sleeps on the cold cement floor every third night. Walter shared that his family has suffered greatly because of his imprisonment. They sell fish to make ends meet but are badly in need of the financial support he would have liked to provide. His wife, Vilma has been left to raise their children along with the help of his elderly mother,

Maria: Vladimir, age 15, Milusca, age 13, Richard age 21, now married to Ruth with one baby, and his adult step-daughter Guisela age 25 who has presented him with two more grandchildren. A fifth child died of leukemia.

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November 4, 2003   Human Rights Conference venue for book launch

Biggest ever International Christian Human Rights Conference venue for launch of book of testimonies of Christians imprisoned in Peru 

(United Kingdom) A book of testimonies from Christians imprisoned in Peru is to be launched at the International Christian Human Rights Conference in London on November 15.

Tried by Fire, published by Monarch and priced at £6.99, is a collection of testimonies from seven innocent Christians all arrested and imprisoned in Peru during the 1980s and 1990s.

Hundreds of innocent Peruvian Christians were rounded up and convicted by 'faceless judges' of terrorism offences in the attempt to crack down on the Shining Path guerrillas. Many served five to ten years in prison before their cases were reviewed and they were released. CSW continues to work with Peruvian human rights lawyers to secure freedom for the remaining innocent prisoners.

Wuille Ruiz Figueroa, who wrote one of the testimonies in the book, will be speaking at the International Christian Human Rights Conference.

Anna Lee Stangl, CSW Advocacy Officer for Latin America, translated the testimonies after visiting Peru several times to work with the two partner agencies of Paz y Esperanza and CEAS.

She said: "I am thrilled to see the stories of these seven humble men and women from the poorest areas of Peru finally presented to an international Christian audience. It is vital that we Christians in the Northern Hemisphere know and understand what our Christian brothers and sisters in Peru have gone and are going through even as this book is launched. At the same time, I hope that these stories will challenge readers in how we react to adversity and injustice in our own lives as they present the beauty of God's faithfulness and the ultimate rewards of trusting God."

The UK's largest ever International Christian Human Rights Conference, featuring speakers from all over the world, is expected to attract more than a thousand Christians.

The conference will be on November 15 from 9.30am to 5pm at Westminster Chapel, Buckingham Gate, London SW1. Tickets at £5 and £3 concessions are available by calling 020 8329 0010 or visiting the CSW website at www.csw.org.uk or by emailing sarah.armitage@csw.org.uk

Co-hosted by Christian Solidarity Worldwide and Release International in association with Premier Christian Radio, the conference will feature presentations by persecuted Christians from around the world. Delegates will be urged to respond with prayer and through writing campaign letters in support of the persecuted Church.

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August 26, 2003  Innocent Christian prisoner released from prison in Peru after seven years

Dear Friends,

We are writing to share the good news that Julian Jorge Godoy, a Christian widower in Peru, has been reunited with his seven children in freedom after spending almost eight years of a ten-year sentence in prison. Some of you may have participated in a campaign on his behalf that we began in January 2003.

Julian, 42, is from a small village in rural Ayacucho, 400km south east of the capital Lima. From 1986 to 1987, as he was one of the few villagers who could read and write, he acted as Lieutenant Governor of the community, until the Shining Path guerrillas swept into the area and took over the town. The guerrillas appointed him 'commissariat', a position he was unable to reject as it would have meant death not only for him but also for his wife and young children. Like the others in the town, he was also forced to attend the guerrilla ideological meetings. 

Julian wanted to escape but this was virtually impossible because the guerrillas controlled the entire region. However in 1991, Julian and his family managed to flee to Huamanga, the capital city of Ayacucho District. In 1995, when a captured Shining Path terrorist accused Julian of participating in subversive activities, he voluntarily presented himself to the police station believing that when they heard his story they would understand what had happened to him. He was detained for 11 days and tortured for five of those days.

He was sentenced to six years in prison but after an appeal this was extended to ten years even though he had been considered an exemplary prisoner. Julian's family suffered yet another tragedy when his wife was hit by a car and instantly killed. Their seven children, ranging in age from four to 16 years old, were looked after by their impoverished 74-year-old grandmother in Julian's absence.  While in prison, however, Julian shared a cell with another CSW-supported former- prisoner- turned- prison minister, Julio Cusihuaman Ccorahua. According to Julio the two often prayed together and after his release, Julio regularly visited Julian's children, bringing much needed food and clothing.

The Peru based human rights organization, Peace and Hope (Paz Y Esperanza), a Christian Solidarity Worldwide partner, took up Julian's case, petitioning for an emergency release on humanitarian grounds pointing to the serious situation of his family, but this was at first refused and continued to face obstacles. He was represented by another former prisoner, Wuille Ruiz Figueroa, a Christian who spent five years in prison before being declared innocent. CSW has visited Julian in the Ayacucho prison for three years - a delegation visited the area in July and was delighted to find Julian a free man. He expressed his appreciation to all CSW supporters for the campaign run on his behalf and said that he was now in the process of rebuilding his house, which had fallen down in his absence, so that he and his children could all live together as a family once more. In response, CSW supporters with the staff delegation took a collection and offered Julian $120 to buy a new roof. 

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October 16, 2002  Seventeen prisoners to be freed in Peru gives new hope

Dear Friends,

A little under a month ago, CSW sent out an Urgent Action Appeal asking you to pray for the release of Darwin Aquino Ortiz and Wilbert Apaza Vargas and to write letters to President Toledo asking him to sign their release papers. We would like to thank you for all your hard work and prayers as we are overjoyed to report that seventeen innocent men and women in Peru, some of whom had been imprisoned for over ten years, will be freed from prison this weekend. The men and women had all been recommended for release as early as May but were unable to walk free because Peruvian President Alejandro Toledo did not sign their pardons until this week. 

Four of the pardoned prisoners, Darwin Aquino Ortiz, Wilbert Apaza Vargas, Niger Gonzalez Guerra and David Espinoza Monge, were represented by former prisoner and CSW partner Wuille Ruiz Figueroa of the Evangelical Human Rights NGO, Paz y Esperanza (Peace and Hope). The four men have been leaders of the Christian communities in their respective prisons throughout their incarceration.

CSW representatives met with Aquino and Apaza during two visits to the Miguel Castro Castro Maximum Security Prison in Lima in 2001 and 2002. In July, they both expressed frustration at knowing they had been found innocent, yet still finding themselves imprisoned, with no idea when they would be released. 

Apaza described the agony of waiting each day to hear whether or not his pardon had been signed. Both he and Aquino have wives and young children who have been left virtually destitute. Apaza's children have been forced to eat at a community feeding center and are suffering from malnutrition.

Apaza was a university student when he was arrested on March 22, 1995. The charges against him were based on his friendship with his former professor whom the police suspected of sympathy towards the terrorist group The Shining Path. His home was invaded by security agents who not only detained Apaza, but also took his younger brother and sister, her husband and two-year-old son into custody. The arrest of his family was meant to exert psychological pressure on Apaza in an effort to force him to 'confess'. Apaza, now 34, was sentenced to 20 years' imprisonment by anonymous judges. While in prison he was a leader of the literary workshops where he wrote poetry in an effort to express his pain at being forcibly separated from his family, including the agony of being unable to say goodbye to his father who died last winter and of the feelings of impotency at being unable to help his wife and children as they suffered from illness and malnutrition. 

He said: "I have in my memory beautiful stories which I have lived through these more than seven hard and difficult years. The glory of our Redeemer fills me with the blessing of being helped by brothers and sisters whom I never imagined would worry about this humble servant...I will never forget this beautiful experience and it will always be a blessing that Christ gave me in the midst of this familiar pain, pain that unfortunately still continues as I am waiting, a tortuous wait, this martyring and dramatic wait for the signature of the President of Peru."

Apaza was taken on as an Amnesty International Prisoner of Conscience and plans to return to university to study law.

Aquino, now 34, was a teacher at the pre-university academy, ADUNI, when he was arrested on April 23, 1993. The police believed that the academy was sympathetic to left wing terrorists and ignored Aquino's pleas of innocence. A tribunal of anonymous judges sentenced Aquino to 20 years' imprisonment without examining the evidence in his favor. His wife Mirtha and two-month-old daughter were left on their own - Aquino has only been able to see his daughter grow up from behind bars. While in prison, Aquino has been one of the most dynamic members of the Christian community - leading daily 4am prayer sessions and preaching throughout the prison.

Guerra came from a rural area in the Tabalosas District in Lamas Province. Far from being part of a terrorist organization, he actually participated in a civilian defense unit meant to protect their village from terrorist attacks. He was arrested on January 19, 1994 and even under torture maintained his innocence. Anonymous judges sentenced him to 20 years in prison. Now age 40, Guerra plans to return to his home to restart his life in freedom.

Espinoza was a medical student when he was arrested on April 12, 1992. He was taken by security agents to a military base where he was severely tortured. For more than a week after his arrest, his family did not know where he was or why he had been taken. He maintained his innocence but a tribunal of anonymous judges, ignoring the physical evidence of torture on his body, sentenced him to 20 years in prison. While still maintaining his innocence, Espinoza, with the help of lawyers at Peace and Hope, has taken advantage of a law allowing prisoners who have served over half of their sentence with good behavior to apply for early release. After he is freed he plans to return to his study of medicine while also pursuing his case at the Inter-American Court of Human Rights until his name is totally cleared.

A system of anonymous judges, initiated by former President Fujimori, now in exile in Japan, was created ostensibly for the judges' own protection during a time of national turmoil. The lack of accountability, however, resulted in over 800 wrongful imprisonments. According to Paz y Esperanza, at least 100 innocent men and women still remain behind bars. This number includes many other practicing Christians like Aquino, Apaza, Gonzalez, and Espinoza.

We would like to ask you to continue to pray for these men and women, including Walter Cubas Baltazar, Olga Gonzalez Zevallos, Jorge Julian Godoy and Carlos Yalle Laura. You might also consider writing to President Toledo about all the prisoners and specifically the four mentioned above. His address is: President Alejandro Toledo Manrique, Presidente de la Republica del Peru, Plaza de Armas, Lima 1.

For a more complete list of innocent prisoners supported by CSW and our Peruvian partners please contact the CSW office and request a Peru Prisoner Information Pack and a Peru fact-finding trip report. Alternatively you could review our letter writing guide on the internet.

Thank you again for your persistent prayer and letter writing on behalf of our Christian brothers and sisters in Peru.

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September 20, 2002   Christians in Peru Still Awaiting Freedom

A number of Christians in Peru, unjustly imprisoned for almost a decade, are in urgent need of your prayers and action.

Three innocent Peruvian men and women, imprisoned and separated from their families since the early 1990s, are only one step away from release. Wilbert Apaza Vargas, Darwin Aquino Ortiz, and Olga Gonzalez Zevallos, among others have been recommended for release by the Peruvian government Pardoning Commission, but need President Toledo's signature in order for the process to go forward. 

Due to political pressure, President Toledo has not signed any pardons for men and women, already found innocent, since April. CSW is calling on him to sign these as quickly as possible.

CSW representatives have met all three on various visits to Peruvian prisons and spent time with them most recently in July 2002. They each expressed frustration at knowing they had been found innocent after so many years of waiting, but finding themselves still imprisoned with no idea when they would be released. Wilbert Apaza Vargas described the agony of waiting each day to hear whether or not his pardon had been signed. Both he and Darwin have wives and young children who have been left virtually destitute. Wilbert's children are forced to eat at a community feeding center and are suffering from malnutrition.

Under former President Alberto Fujimori during the 1990s, hundreds of innocent Peruvians were rounded up and convicted by 'faceless judges' whose identity was hidden. The accused were unable to cross-examine witnesses, challenge government evidence, or call witnesses in their defense. Hundreds were convicted on the flimsiest of evidence and remain in prison, often in appalling conditions, with little hope of justice. Christian Solidarity Worldwide works closely with two partner organizations in Peru to offer legal, psychological and spiritual support to those who have been falsely accused and imprisoned. One of these, Peace and Hope, has taken up the cases of Wilbert, Darwin and Olga and former prisoner Wuille Ruiz Figueroa is legally representing them all. 

Darwin and Wilbert are active members of the Christian community in the Miguel Castro-Castro Maximum Security Prison in Lima. They told CSW how they get up at 4am each morning to pray for Christians around the world. Olga is housed in the Maximum Prison for Women at Chorrillos where she also participates in the Christian community. 

Please pray for the swift pardon and release of Wilbert, Darwin and Olga and consider writing a letter to President Toledo, urging him to sign their papers to allow them to go free. In your letter express appreciation for the work he has done in the field of human rights and express your hope that he will continue to sign the pardons of innocent men and women with the utmost speed.

President Alejandro Toledo Manrique
Presidente de la Republica del Peru
Plaza de Armas
Lima 1

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July 4, 2002   Invitation to join the Peruvian Day of the Prisoner

On July 16th a CSW delegation to Lima, Peru will join with partners at Peruvian organizations CEAS and Peace and Hope to celebrate El Dia del Interno - The Day of the Prisoner. We invite you to join with us in a worldwide day of solidarity with the hundreds of Peruvian men and women who have suffered unjust imprisonment.

The events in Lima and in the mountain provinces of Peru will combine activities to raise awareness of the problem of wrongful imprisonment, to support the families of the imprisoned, to encourage the men and women inside the prisons, and to celebrate with those who have been exonerated and released. You can participate by organizing an event at your church or school - or even gathering together with some friends to pray or write letters of encouragement to the prisoners and their families.

History:
Throughout the 1980's and early 1990's Peru's population found itself under internal attack by violent terrorist groups El Sendero Luminoso (The Shining Path) and the Movimiento Revolucionario de Tupac Amaru (MRTA). The militantly Maoist Shining Path in particular was responsible for a huge number of human rights atrocities committed against civilians and led the country into crisis, threatening social stability. 

After his election early in the 1990's President Alberto Fujimori made the eradication of all guerrilla movements in Peru his top priority. Fujimori's tactics, however, left much to be desired as he proceeded to authorize the military and police to detain and summarily imprison anyone remotely suspected of involvement, co-operation or even sympathy with the leftist guerrilla groups. 

Although Fujimori's tactics were largely successful in stamping out the revolutionary groups, the methods he employed resulted in the unjust imprisonment of many innocent people. Most suffered severe torture to force them to sign "confessions" and then were convicted by "faceless judges" who wore balaclavas or sat behind a two-way mirror to prevent identification. The accused were unable to cross-examine witnesses, challenge government evidence, or call witnesses on their own behalf. Many were convicted on the flimsiest of evidence and sentenced to life in prison with little or no opportunity to appeal. Those who did appeal their sentences frequently had their sentences increased in what seems to have been a government strategy to discourage prisoners from further appeals.

In late 2000, after evidence of extensive corruption throughout Fujimori's government came to light Fujimori was forced to resign. He is now in exile in Japan, evading criminal prosecution in Peru. His successor, interim President Valentin Paniagua faced a monumental task. During his eight months as president upwards of seventy men and women were found to have been wrongly convicted and sentenced and were pardoned by Paniagua. Many had spent a decade of their life in prison for a crime they did not commit. In addition, Paniagua lent his support to the establishment of a Truth Commission that will investigate human rights atrocities committed by both the government and guerrilla groups throughout the violent years. 

Dr. Alejandro Toledo took office on July 28, 2001. Since his inauguration he has signed the release papers of a number of wrongly convicted prisoners. At the beginning of 2002 he took the enormously significant step of offering a personal official apology on behalf of the nation to all 726 wrongfully imprisoned men and women who have received pardons and been released. He also promised that the 1741 pending applications would be reviewed. Perhaps most importantly, President Toledo announced the creation of a 180-day commission to investigate the possibility of non-monetary reparations to the victims of wrongful imprisonment on charges of terrorism and treason. These reparations might include health and education subsidies. 

Pray for the Families
The effect on the families has been devastating. Often the biggest source of worry for a prisoner is the fate of his or her family. In most cases - if a man was arrested, the wife and children were left destitute - with little or no source of income. Even worse, in many cases both the husband and wife were arrested, leaving their children virtually orphaned. Until the late 1990's the prisoners were only allowed visits from immediate family members once each month for thirty minutes. Family members who were younger than 18, were only allowed to visit once every three months for thirty minutes. They were never allowed any physical contact. These harsh conditions have eased in recent years but they took an emotional and psychological toll. Many prisoners who were released in recent years testify of the difficulty of re-entering into a family unit after so many years of almost complete separation. 

1. Please pray for the families of those still in prisons. Ask God to meet their physical, spiritual and emotional needs. Pray that he would protect their relationships with their loved one in prison.
2. Please pray for the families of the released prisoners. Ask God to bless their families, healing wounds and rebuilding the bonds of father, mother, son and daughter. Pray for reconciliation within the family unit.

Pray for the Prisoners
Although conditions in the Peruvian prisons have improved somewhat in the last few years they continue to fall far below humane standards. Prisoners convicted of terrorist acts are kept in special Maximum-Security Prisons. Prison guards are trained by the military and are underpaid which leads to a high incidence of prisoner maltreatment and corruption. Sexual abuse and torture within the prisons has also been reported.

Prisoners are not issued uniforms and often suffer from cold, especially in provincial prisons at high altitudes. Food and medicine are highly inadequate and sanitary conditions are in need of much improvement. Many prisoners are forced to share a cell made for two inhabitants between three, meaning one has to sleep on the cement floor. A number of prisoners report long-term health consequences because of this. The prisons also house a number of men and women who are seriously disabled, physically and psychologically - appropriate accommodations and treatment are almost entirely absent and many are kept in appalling conditions that only serve to worsen their health.

Christians in particular have been increasingly granted a special freedom of movement not enjoyed by other groups. In some prisons a cellblock may be set aside for Christians, the doors remaining unlocked. The prisoners may be permitted to move around at will, keep tools and crafts and hold Bible studies and church services. These freedoms, however, vary from prison to prison. Many Christians, however, have taken the opportunity to minister to their fellow prisoners - holding outreaches and prayer services.

1. Thank God for the new freedoms within the prisons. Pray for the guards and the prison authorities. Ask God to give them sensitivity and a sense of justice. Pray that God would meet their needs - physically and spiritually. 
2. Pray for the Christian fellowships within the prisons. Pray that God would strengthen and nourish them - ask Him to make them a light within the prisons, so that the prisoners might find "Freedom Behind Bars" (the name of the fellowship in Huancayo Prison)
3. Ask God to protect the health of the prisoners - they need protection from disease, from the cold and from abuse from the guards and fellow prisoners.
4. Pray that the prisoners' cases would be heard swiftly - ask that those who are innocent would be pardoned, released and allowed to return to their homes and their families.

Pray for their Defenders
CSW supports two human rights groups working on behalf of the prisoners and their families. CEAS, a Catholic agency, and Peace and Hope, an Evangelical group, both provide legal, spiritual, physical and psychological support for the prisoners and their families, many of whom are financially destitute. The two groups often work together on campaigns and education of the general population. If it were not for the tireless lawyers, psychologists and pastoral agents that work for the two organizations many prisoners would have no hope of release. Some of them are actually ex-prisoners themselves who have been exonerated and released in the past few years - and are now defending those who are left behind in prison.

1. Pray for the protection of CEAS and Peace and Hope - both offices have suffered break-ins in the last year, the circumstances of which point to people in powerful positions who do not like their work on human rights as the culprits.
2. Pray for the morale of the workers at CEAS and Peace and Hope. They are dealing day after day with people who have suffered tremendously - and often find themselves sapped emotionally, spiritually and physically. Ask God to fill them with His Spirit, strength and light.
3. Pray for the work of both groups - ask God to bless their efforts - to give them favor with people in positions of power. Pray that they would see more and more fruit, that they might be encouraged and that more might be added to their number.

Pray for the Government
Much of the Peruvian population continues to live below the poverty level. Many are classified as living in "extreme poverty". This poverty leads to social instability and makes the work of the government, still recovering from the massive corruption scandal of 2000, extremely difficult. Public confidence in the government is understandably extremely low. 

The government of Alejandro Toledo is also still investigating the extent of the corruption - which implicates hundreds of government workers, judges, and members of the military. He has come up against serious opposition from those who would rather see this swept under the carpet. All of this combines to make the future of Peru uncertain. It is in need of strong and righteous leaders whose first concern is for the welfare of the country - for justice, freedom, and integrity.

1. Please pray for Dr. Alejandro Toledo. Ask God to guide him in his work. Pray that God would put His priorities on Toledo's heart (see Isaiah 58)
2. Pray for those in charge of investigating and bringing to justice the men and women involved in the corruption. Pray that God would expose what is evil and bring about true justice. Pray for the protection of these workers.
3. Pray for the future of Peru. Ask God to raise up new leaders with integrity who will put the interest of the country before their own interests. Ask God to give these men and women courage and strength.

If you would like additional materials - please check the CSW website at www.cswusa.com where a Peru Country Profile and Peru Prisoner Letter Writing Guide are available. Alternatively you can call the office to request these materials at (877) 450-4516.

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June 6, 2002   Urgent Prayers and Action Needed for Peruvian

A Christian in Peru, unjustly imprisoned for almost a decade, is in urgent need of your prayers and action.

Christian Solidarity Worldwide is calling on the Peruvian Human Rights Commission to recommend Walter Cubas Baltazar for pardon. Cubas Baltazar, who has spent almost 10 years in a maximum security prison for terrorist crimes he did not commit, continues to wait for the Commission's decision, despite the fact that his lawyer, presented his case in March.

The 38 year old man was arrested on January 20, 1993 and accused of various terrorist activities including painting graffiti and taking part in a riot. He was then tortured by anti-terrorist security agents until he "confessed". CSW representatives met with Cubas Baltazar in June 2001, where he recounted how when he was detained and tortured he remembered a song taken from the verse, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," and another song from Joshua 1:9-10: "This is my command, be strong, be resolute; do not be fearful or discouraged, for wherever you go the Lord your God is with you." Walter testified that God gave him strength through this ordeal.  A military tribunal sentenced him to life in prison - leaving his wife an four young children virtually destitute. 

Under former President Alberto Fujimori during the 1990s, hundreds of innocent Peruvians were rounded up and convicted by 'faceless judges' whose identity was hidden. The accused were unable to cross-examine witnesses, challenge government evidence, or call witnesses in their defense. Hundreds were convicted on the flimsiest of evidence and remain in prison, often in appalling conditions, with little hope of justice.

Christian Solidarity Worldwide works closely with two partner organizations in Peru to offer legal, psychological and spiritual support to those who have been falsely accused and imprisoned. One of these, Peace and Hope, has taken up Cubas Baltazar's case - former prisoner Wuille Ruiz Figueroa is representing him. 

According to Ruiz Figueroa, Cubas Baltazar was targeted because of his union activity. He had been a labor leader at the clothing factory where he worked. They worked excessive hours and when the factory shut down without paying its workers, Cubas Baltazar led the protest. Cubas Baltazar is convinced that this led to the motive behind his arrest.

Cubas Baltazar is currently held in the Miguel Castro-Castro Maximum Security Prison in Lima where he is active in the Prison Christian Community. Conditions in Peruvian prisons are deplorable with diseases like Hepatitis and Tuberculosis rife. Cubas Baltazar explained to CSW representatives last year how he and his two cellmates share the tiny concrete cell built for two. They rotate every three nights - two sleeping on each of the cement beds and one on the floor. This has had damaging effects on their health.

Mervyn Thomas, Chief Executive of Christian Solidarity Worldwide, said: "We continue to stand together with Walter Cubas Baltazar and his family and strongly urge the Peruvian government to redress this terrible miscarriage of justice without any further delay."

Please pray for the swift pardon and release of Walter Cubas Baltazar and consider writing a letter to the Peruvian Ministry of Justice, urging them to recommend his pardon to allow him to go free. Please also remember his wife, Vilma, and his children: Jacinto, 12; Genesis 11, Richard 18, and Graciela 22 in your prayers.

Write to:
Dr. Diego Garcia Sayan
Ministro de Justicia
Jr. Scipion Llona 350
Miraflores, Lima
Peru

Good News! CSW is overjoyed to report that Elizabeth Marlene Zuñiga Porras, Teofilo Naula Ortiz, Manuel Collqui Pontencial, Melanio Torres Vallejos, Gilberto Quispe Figueroa, Eleazar Mendoza Huachaca, and Alejandro Lopez Urbano were all found innocent and released in the months of March and April. Thank you for your continued prayers and support - they really do make a difference!!!

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June 6 2002   PERUVIAN PRISONER FALSELY SENTENCED FOR TERRORIST CRIMES HAS FURTHER WAIT FOR JUSTICE

A prisoner who has spent nearly ten years behind bars in Peru for terrorist crimes he did not commit has now had to wait an additional three months for the result of his appeal.

Walter Cubas Baltazar, is waiting for the Peruvian Human Rights Commission, who heard his case in March, to make their decision and Christian Solidarity Worldwide is calling on the Commission to recommend him for pardon. Cubas Baltazar, 38, was arrested on January 20, 1993 and accused of various terrorist activities including painting graffiti and taking part in a riot.

He was then tortured by anti-terrorist security agents until he "confessed". CSW representatives met with Cubas Baltazar in June 2001, where he recounted how he sang Christian songs to withstand the pain. A military tribunal sentenced him to life in prison, leaving his wife and four young children virtually destitute. 

Under former President Alberto Fujimori during the 1990s, hundreds of innocent Peruvians were rounded up and convicted by 'faceless judges' whose identity was hidden. The accused were unable to cross-examine witnesses, challenge government evidence, or call witnesses in their defense. Hundreds were convicted on the flimsiest of evidence and remain in prison, often in appalling conditions, with little hope of justice.

CSW works closely with two partner organizations in Peru to offer legal, psychological and spiritual support to those who have been falsely accused and imprisoned.  One of these, Paz y Esperanza (Peace and Hope), has taken up Cubas Baltazar's case and former prisoner Wuille Ruiz Figueroa is representing him. 

According to Ruiz Figueroa, Cubas Baltazar was targeted because of his union activity. He had been a labor leader at the clothing factory where he worked. They worked excessive hours and when the factory shut down without paying its workers, Cubas Baltazar led the protest. Cubas Baltazar is convinced that this led to the motive behind his arrest. Cubas Baltazar is currently held in the Miguel Castro-Castro Maximum Security Prison in Lima where he is active in the Prison Christian Community. Conditions in Peruvian prisons are deplorable and are rife with diseases like Hepatitis and tuberculosis. 

Cubas Baltazar told CSW representatives last year how he and his two cellmates share the tiny concrete cell built for two. They rotate every three nights, two sleeping on each of the cement beds and one on the floor. This has had damaging effects on their health.

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January 18, 2002    President Toledo of Peru apologizes to freed prisoners and offers them compensation

President Alejandro Toledo of Peru took the historic step of apologizing to all those who have been released after being wrongfully imprisoned for terrorist offenses.

He invited 726 people who were condemned for terrorism or treason and who had served long prison sentences to the Presidential Palace on January 15. Priests, nuns and other human rights activists along with volunteers who work with the prisoners were also invited.

During the ceremony, President Toledo asked for forgiveness in the name of the nation for the harm inflicted on them. He emphasized that his government did not create the situation, but that now Peru was ruled by a democracy, justice had to be seen to be done.

In addition he ruled that the 1,741 applications for pardon which are still outstanding would be reviewed. He assured people that the review of these cases did not mean that terrorism would be tolerated in Peru.

He also announced the creation of a 180-day commission which will present a recommendation for non-monetary benefits including health, education and the basic needs of those who have received pardons.

A spokesman for CSW-partner the Catholic Episcopal Commission for Social Action (CEAS), said: “We are extremely happy with this act and initiative and believe that it will open new doors to all of our brothers and sisters who are still in prison. Even though it is true that the harm caused to all of these families is incalculable, we are happy that they are trying to help these brothers and sisters in some form at least.”

CSW is really pleased with this latest development for those in prison in Peru and we want to thank all our supporters for writing to both President Toledo and the prisoners themselves.

Hundreds of Christmas cards have been forwarded onto the prisoners and hundreds of letters have been written to the President to get him to review these cases as a matter of urgency.

CSW Advocacy Director Tina Lambert, who was part of the team which visited those in prison in Peru last July, said: “This is brilliant news and we commend President Toledo for making this compassionate and generous gesture of solidarity with those who have suffered in silence for so long.

“We are also pleased that a commission has been set up to explore what sort of compensation the government can offer its citizens.

“CSW and its partners in Peru will continue to speak up for the freedom of those who are still wrongfully imprisoned, but these events give us all hope that this is a priority of President Toledo’s government.”

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December 20, 2001    Husband and wife freed after being wrongfully imprisoned for eight years in Peru

A Christian couple have been reunited with their son after spending eight years in separate prisons for crimes they did not commit.

In 1993 Victor Navarte and Juana Ramirez, then in their twenties, were finishing their law degrees at San Marcos University in Lima when Juana was arrested.

She was taken to the Dincote interrogation center before police searched their home and arrested her husband, claiming they had found a book on Marxist philosophy.

Later the police claimed to have found a cache of weapons under the stairway. Both Juana and Victor were tortured.

They were convicted of terrorism by judges who hid their identity and were sentenced to life in prison. This was later lowered to 30 years on appeal.

During the last eight years they have seen each other twice, once right at the beginning of their ordeal, when a battered Victor was shown to Juana in a bid to get them to ‘confess’.

The only other time they had met in eight years was in June this year when they were allowed a short face to face meeting.

They kept their relationship strong by writing to each other. Their son Alvaro, who is now 12, was looked after by Victor’s mother Graciela during their imprisonment.

Victor and Juana were freed on December 15 after President Toledo signed their release papers, following the recommendation from the Pardoning Commission, set up to investigate false imprisonments over the last 20 years.

They both hope to resume their law studies so they can campaign for the release of the remaining innocent prisoners.

Christian Solidarity Worldwide has been working for their freedom with the evangelical organization Paz y Esperanza (Peace and Hope) as well as the Catholic Episcopal Commission for Social Action (CEAS).

An estimated 300 plus innocent prisoners are still in prison in Peru having been convicted of terrorism with no real evidence.

A hunger strike by more than 30 prisoners, in protest against the reduction in lawyers working on their cases from 14 to two, took place in November.

Tina Lambert, Advocacy Director of Christian Solidarity Worldwide, who met with Victor and Juana in July this year, said: “It’s fantastic that such a special family can be reunited in time for Christmas.

“Tragically there are still hundreds of innocent men and women suffering in prison in Peru. We are calling on the Pardoning Commission and President Toledo to devote more resources to the speeding up of proper investigations into these cases that the innocent may go free.”

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December 13, 2001    Three prisoners released but hundreds more still await justice

Three prisoners supported by Christian Solidarity Worldwide’s partners in Peru have been pardoned by President Toledo in the last two months.

Rody Sanchez Chileno, 36, Lidia Vilca Santos and Julio Cesar Culqui Rojas, 44, were among the 21 prisoners released in September and October.

Rody Sanchez Chileno, a nurse, was arrested in Huancayo in 1997. Like many others, she was treated brutally by her interrogators and tortured so badly that her three and a half month pregnancy aborted. 

The torture was an attempt to force her to confess that she belonged to the terrorist group MRTA (Movimiento Revolucionario de Tupac Amaru). The only evidence against her was the testimony of a “repented” terrorist who would normally be promised a sentence reduction in return for testifying. 

She was sentenced to 30 years in prison by judges who hid their identity, but she appealed her case to a court in Lima. The military judge reduced her sentence to 20 years, but upheld her conviction. This left her three daughters, aged 14, 12, and nine, virtually destitute as her first husband had been killed by the police in 1988 and her second husband abandoned the girls and her when she was detained. 

A CSW representative met with evangelical Christian Rody in the Santa Monica Maximum Security Prison where she maintained her innocence and expressed her anxiety regarding the fate of her daughters.

Julio Cesar Culqui Rojas, a farmer from the northern province of Chiclayo, was detained on December 12, 1994 and accused of terrorism. Like many Peruvians who lived in guerrilla-controlled territory, he had been forced to participate in meetings and to read a book on Mao Tse Tung. 

The fact that he had only done these things because the terrorists had threatened to kill his family was disregarded in his trial and he was sentenced to 20 years on charges of “Association with Terrorism.”

CSW works closely with Evangelical organization Paz y Esperanza (Peace and Hope) and the Catholic Episcopal Commission for Social Action (CEAS) in raising awareness of more than 300 wrongly imprisoned Peruvians, including many practicing Christians.

CSW calls upon President Toledo to give his full support to judicial reform mechanisms to ensure the continued release of all innocent prisoners and the work of the Truth Commission, which investigates human rights atrocities committed by the government and guerrilla groups throughout the 1980s and 1990s. 

A CSW delegation visited Peru at the end of June to meet and express solidarity with those still in prison and to encourage the new government to make their plight a priority. 

Wuille Ruiz Figueroa of Paz y Esperanza said that 20 more government recommendations for pardon given to President Toledo three weeks ago are still awaiting his signature. 

In addition, Paz y Esperanza and CEAS representatives remain concerned that the issue of wrongly imprisoned Peruvians is still not being given priority by the government. 

Wuille Ruiz Figueroa said: “Thirty inmates at the Castro Castro Prison [in Lima] went on a hunger strike that lasted for about fifteen days. This motivated the authorities at the Ministry of Justice to seek a more direct relationship with the human rights organizations in Lima, but unfortunately, this does not make up for the shortage of funds and personnel that the Ministry of Justice has designated for this work.”

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December 13, 2001    Petition for a Peruvian Couple

Dear friends,

A husband and wife, imprisoned and separated from each other and their young son since 1993, are only one step away from release. 

Victor Maco Navarte and Juana Lazo Ramirez have been recommended for release by the Peruvian Government’s Pardoning Commission, but need President Toledo’s signature in order for the process to go forward. 

CSW is calling on President Toledo to sign the pardons as quickly as possible so that Victor and Juana can spend Christmas together with their son Alvaro for the first time in almost a decade.

The couple, married in 1988 and the parents of a four-year-old son, were arrested on charges of terrorism in January 1993.  Both were studying law at San Marco University at the time which was enough to make them suspect in the eyes of the authorities. A textbook on Marxism found in Victor’s library was used as “evidence” against them. In addition, police claimed that they had discovered an arsenal of weapons under the stairwell in their home. Sadly in Peru such police tactics are not uncommon in the bid to secure convictions.

Both Victor and Juana were taken to the notorious police interrogation headquarters, known as DINCOTE, where they were subjected to severe torture. The authorities arranged a “confrontation” between the two at one point so each could see how badly the other was injured in an effort to force them to confess. Juana told CSW representatives who visited her last July in the Santa Monica Prison how she wept as she saw his battered and bruised body. She herself suffered partial facial paralysis as a result of the torture.

They were both convicted by faceless judges and sentenced to life in prison. Juana’s sentence was later reduced to thirty years. They were sent to separate prisons in Lima where their only contact for eight years was through letters. They were finally allowed a face-to-face meeting in June 2001. Visits from their young son were also severely restricted for most of their stay in prison and visiting rules have only recently been relaxed.

In addition to visiting Juana, CSW representatives also met with Victor in Castro-Castro Prison and with his mother Graciela who has looked after their son while the couple has been in prison.

She has campaigned tirelessly on the couple’s behalf throughout their imprisonment and each of them expressed hope that they would soon be released and reunited.

Juana spoke of her sustaining faith in God, saying: “He knows what I have gone through. Thanks to God I know He understands. In the midst of darkness you need something. I’m not a dangerous person - you can see that. After nine years I know I can find my hope in God.”

Please pray for the swift pardon and release of Juana and Victor and consider writing a letter to President Toledo, urging him to sign their papers to allow them to go free.

A sample letter followed by a translation is set out below:

President Alejandro Toledo Manrique
Presidente de la Republica del Peru
Plaza de Armas
Lima 1

Señor Presidente,

Nosotros cuidadanos de paises amigos nos encontramos muy preocupados por el hecho de que personas inocentes aún se encuentran encarcelados, en particular los casos de Juana Lazo Ramirez y Victor Maco Navarte, quienes ya han recibido una recomendación de la Comisión de Indultos y solamente esperan que Usted firme la autorización de su liberación.

Una persona declarada oficialmente inocente no merece estar ni un momento más en la carcel. En este caso Ramirez y Navarte han esperado casi nueve años para que les declaren inocentes y para que haya justicia. Confiamos que Usted valora la justicia, y por eso le solicitamos su apoyo en ese caso.

Nuestro deseo es que Juana y Victor pasen las fiestas navideñas con su hijo de 12 años. Confiamos que esto será posible a condición de que Usted dé la prioridad apropiada a este caso.

Le agradecemos por su atención, y deseamos que Dios le bendiga en el trabajo que Usted realize a favor de las personas más necesitadas y que estas fiestas navideñas sean de dicha y prosperidad. En el nombre de nuestro señor Jesucristo, firmamos unidos en esta carta. 

+++
Alejandro Toledo
President of the Republic of Peru 
Plaza de Armas
Lima 1

Senor President, 

As citizens of a friendly country we are concerned about the innocent men and women who are still in prison, in particular the cases of Juana Lazo Ramirez and Victor Maco Navarte. The two have received a recommendation from the Pardoning Commission and now await your signature in order that they might be allowed to leave the prison.

An innocent person cannot be in prison for even one more minute. They have waited nine years to receive justice and their liberty. We are sure that you are concerned about this, and that is why we are asking for you support in this case.

We desperately hope that Juana and Victor might spend the Christmas holidays with their 12-year-old son. We are sure that this will be possible if you make this a priority.

Thank you for your time and attention. May God bless you and the work you are doing on behalf of the people who need it most. May the Christmas holidays bring you blessings and prosperity in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ. We bid farewell.

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November 30, 2001     Peruvian Prisoners End Hunger Strike, but Hundreds of Innocent People Are Still in Prison

Dear friends,

More than 30 Peruvian Christians who had been on hunger strike since November 12, ended their protest after the President of the Pardoning Commission visited them in prison.

The hunger strike was started at the Miguel Castro Castro Prison in Lima after the prisoners felt their cases had been ignored for too long by the current government.

The strike, which officially ended on November 22, aimed to highlight the injustice felt by about 300 prisoners sentenced by ‘faceless judges’.

Under former President Alberto Fujimori during the 1990s, hundreds of innocent Peruvians were rounded up and convicted in summary hearings.

They were unable to cross-examine witnesses, challenge government evidence or call witnesses in their defense.

Those convicted have spent between three and ten years in prison already and have seen the number of lawyers working on their appeals cut from 14 to two.

CSW was told by the Peruvian human rights agency Comision Episcopal de Action Social (CEAS), that the men called off the strike as they felt their cases had been highlighted by the President’s visit.

Senor Carlos Zamorano, President of the Pardoning Commission, asked the men to end their strike as three men were already being treated in hospital as a result of their action.

Tina Lambert, Advocacy Director of CSW-UK, said: “The visit of the President of the Pardoning Commission is to be commended, but now this action needs to be followed through with concrete measures to right this injustice. This intolerable suffering must be brought to an end.”

Please email the Ministry of Justice and the Ombudsman with the suggested letter: (translation follows)

Ministry of Justice: webmaster@minjus.gob.pe, 

Ombudsman: defensor@ombudsman.gob.pe 

Senor Fernando Olivera
Ministro de Justicia

Presente.-

Nosotros cuidadanos de paises amigos, que tenemos presente a nuestros hermanos peruanos, nos encontramos muy preocupados por un tema en particular, los inocentes que aun se encuentran en prision. Como cristianos no podemos ser indiferentes a este tema tan doloroso que estan atravesando nuestros hermanos encarcelados.

Durante el gobierno del Senor Fujimori muchos inocentes sufrieron prision al ser sentenciados por Terrorismo o Traicion a la Patria, por ello se creo una comision que se encargo de evaluar estos casos. Sabemos que la Comision culmino su mandato, pero se designo otra comision que supliera sus funciones, la cual hasta el momento sigue realizando dicha labor pero con la disminucion de abogados para la evaluacion de casos, lo que ocasiona gran demora.

Un inocente no puede estar ni un minuto mas en la carcel. Estamos seguros de su gran preocupacion por este tema, por ello le solicitamos:

1.- Aumentar el numero de profesionales (abogados) para que evaluen las solictudes que faltan.
2.- Otorgar indultos a los inocentes que aun se encuentran en prision a la brevedad posible.Si bien es cierto que esta es una facultad del Presidente de la Republica, es necesario que desde su ministerio se impulse este tema.

Anhelamos que muchos inocentes puedan pasar las fiestas navidenas con sus familias. Estamos seguros que esto sera posible si su ministerio da prioridad a este tema.

Agradeciendo la atencion prestada, Dios bendiga el trabajo que viene realizando a favor de las personas mas necesitadas y que estas fiestas navidenas sean de dicha y prosperidad, en presencia de nuestro senor Jesucristo, nos despedimos

Los abajo firmantes nos unimos a este pedido:

+++
Mr. Fernando Olivera
Minister of Justice 

Dear Sir-

As citizens of a friendly country who are thinking of our Peruvian brothers, we are very worried that innocent men and women are still in prison. As Christians we cannot be indifferent to this painful ordeal that our brothers and sisters in prison are enduring.

Throughout the administration of Mr. Fujimori, many innocent men and woman suffered imprisonment, condemned for terrorism or treason against the state. A commission was created to review these cases. We know that the Commission came to the end of its mandate, but another commission was designated to take up its functions. This commission has been carrying out this work despite the very demoralizing reduction in the number of lawyers working on the case reviews. 

An innocent person cannot be in prison for even one more minute. We are sure that you are concerned about this, and for this reason we ask you to:

1. Increase the number of professionals (lawyers) to review the remaining petitions.

2.Grant pardons to those innocent people who remain in prison as soon as possible. If it is true that this is a responsibility of the President of the Republic, then it is necessary for the Ministry to push this subject forward.

We desperately hope that many of these innocent people might spend the Christmas holidays with their families. We are sure that this will be possible if your Ministry makes this a priority.

Thank you for your time and attention. May God bless you and the work you are doing on behalf of the people who most need it. May the Christmas holidays bring you blessings and prosperity in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ. We bid farewell.

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November 22, 2001    Christian prisoners in Peru go on indefinite hunger strike

An indefinite hunger strike has been started by 30 inmates in the Christian cellblocks of the Miguel Castro Castro Prison in Lima, Peru in protest against the lack of progress in their appeals.

The prisoners began their protest on November 12 and their leaders, known as the Committee for Innocent Detainees, said in a statement: “We as innocent prisoners hoped that the present democratic government would find a solution for our cases.

“One of its fundamental platforms before gaining power was that it would respect and reinstate those human rights trampled upon by the previous government.

“However, these speeches stand in contrast to the current situation as the circumstances for the innocent prisoners not only continue to be the same, but there seems to be a profound indifference and forgetfulness regarding a judicial resolution to our cases – the proof is that today the Commission’s budget has been scaled back, even after the protests by almost all of the lawyers who were working on the revision of our cases.

“Under the dictatorship there were 40 lawyers, with the transitional government there were 12 lawyers, and with the present government, the so-called ‘Defender of Human Rights’, there will only be two lawyers.

“They promised and assured us that they would take care of our requests for freedom, but these are only empty promises that remain merely words.” 

The group is demanding that the budget of the Pardoning Commission be proportionate to the number of lawyers needed and that their cases would be reviewed. 

In addition, they are calling on the Minister of Justice to make good his promise that “The innocent do not have to stay in prison another minute longer.” 

Finally they are asking that Senor Carlos Zamorano, President of the Pardoning Commission, would come and speak to them in prison.

The men have stated that they are carrying out the protest in a peaceful way and without affecting the internal order of the prison.

Under former President Alberto Fujimori during the 1990s, hundreds of innocent Peruvians were rounded up and convicted by ‘faceless judges’ whose identity was hidden.

The accused were unable to cross-examine witnesses, challenge government evidence, or call witnesses in their defense.

Hundreds were convicted on the flimsiest of evidence and remain in prison, often in appalling conditions, with little hope of justice.

Christian Solidarity Worldwide works closely with two partner organizations in Peru to offer legal, psychological and spiritual support to those who have been falsely accused and imprisoned.

Mervyn Thomas, Chief Executive of Christian Solidarity Worldwide, said: “It is tragic that these men have to go to such lengths to get their voice heard. 

“We are standing with them in solidarity and in prayer and call on the Peruvian Government to review all their cases as  matter of urgency.”

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August 15, 2001    Peruvian Prisoner Released on Interim President's Last Day: 
Hundreds Anxiously Hope for Justice under New President

On his last day in office, Interim President Valentin Paniagua authorized a release from prison for Edgar Cahuana Curi. Cahuana Curi, whose case was represented by Peruvian human rights organization Peace and Hope, was found to be wrongly imprisoned after spending eight years in Miguel Castro-Castro Prison on charges of terrorism. It is believed that hundreds more like him continue to languish in prison, awaiting justice.

Christian Solid