AI INDEX: AMR 46/28/96
PERU: AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL ALARMED AT MRTA TAKING OF HOSTAGES
Amnesty International today expressed its alarm and concern for the fate of
at least 200 hostages taken captive on 17 December by the armed opposition
group Movimiento Revolucionario Tupac Amaru, MRTA, Tupac Amaru Revolutionary Movement. The hostages are being held at the residence of Japan's Ambassador to Peru in Lima.
Amnesty International welcomes the prompt release of women and the
elderly hostages, but insists that the MRTA must fully respect the safety
and physical integrity of all the remaining hostages,' the human rights
organization said.
The organization also urges the MRTA and the Peruvian authorities to
bring about a solution designed to ensure the prompt and safe release of
the hostages.
The hostages, including Peruvian parliamentarians and members of the
Government as well as foreign diplomats and businessmen, were taken captive
by an MRTA unit which broke into the home of the Japanese Ambassador during
a reception commemorating Emperor Akihito's birthday. The captors, who are
demanding the release of all MRTA members currently held in Peruvian
prisons, have threatened to kill the hostages unless their demands are met.
The MRTA initiated a campaign of attacks during the first half of the
1980s. Throughout its campaign, the MRTA has committed serious human rights abuses, including the killing of civilians and taking of hostages. Amnesty International unequivocally condemns such abuses, and reiterates its appeal for the MRTA to fully abide by internationally recognised humanitarian
standards.
ENDS
18 DECEMBER 1996