Peruvian Candidate Humala Accused of Abuse
CARLA SALAZAR | 17.02.2006 17:23 | Social Struggles | Workers' Movements | World
Human rights activists have formally accused a leading contender in Peru's presidential race of atrocities during his 1992 command of a jungle counterinsurgency base.
Three criminal complaints accusing retired Lt. Col. Ollanta Humala of forced disappearance, torture and attempted murder were filed Tuesday with a prosecutor in the northern jungle town of Tocache, Alejandro Silva, of the National Coordinator for Human Rights in Peru, told reporters.
A secretary for Tocache prosecutor Arturo Artemio Campos confirmed Thursday that the complaints had been received from the group, which represents 63 human rights organizations, but refused to elaborate.
In recent weeks local media have aired testimonies from jungle residents accusing him of overseeing systematic abuses in the zone, a former hotspot of drug trafficking and guerrilla activity.
Humala has acknowledged commanding the base under the nom de guerre of "Captain Carlos" but denies any wrongdoing. He attributes the allegations to a smear campaign to derail his presidential bid.
A recent national poll showed Humala trailing former Congresswoman Lourdes Flores in a field of 21 candidates.
Three criminal complaints accusing retired Lt. Col. Ollanta Humala of forced disappearance, torture and attempted murder were filed Tuesday with a prosecutor in the northern jungle town of Tocache, Alejandro Silva, of the National Coordinator for Human Rights in Peru, told reporters.
A secretary for Tocache prosecutor Arturo Artemio Campos confirmed Thursday that the complaints had been received from the group, which represents 63 human rights organizations, but refused to elaborate.
In recent weeks local media have aired testimonies from jungle residents accusing him of overseeing systematic abuses in the zone, a former hotspot of drug trafficking and guerrilla activity.
Humala has acknowledged commanding the base under the nom de guerre of "Captain Carlos" but denies any wrongdoing. He attributes the allegations to a smear campaign to derail his presidential bid.
A recent national poll showed Humala trailing former Congresswoman Lourdes Flores in a field of 21 candidates.
CARLA SALAZAR