When Fujimori was elected, large parts of Peru were dominated by the insurgent Marxist-Leninist group. Ann Manuel deputy director of Human Rights Watch America discusses the ongoing hostage crisis. Fourteen MRTA members currently occupy the Japanese Ambassador’s residence in Lima, holding 72 hostages. Among the hostages is the National Counter-Terrorism Directorate (DINCOTE) who are the infamous for torturing suspects. The MRTA are threatening to kill hostages despite passing deadlines. Although the US has criticized the Fujimori’s goverment, in recent years the US has been less vocal in support of his economic policies. The US-Peruvians counter narcotic program funnels money to the Peruvian military, sanctioning Fujimori’s authoritarian leadership style and human rights abuses.

Segment Subjects: MRTA, Fujmori, DINCOTE