Overview
- In a 1989 column in the weekly Cambio, Alfonso López‑Chau described MRTA leader Víctor Polay as a “luchador social” and “luchador político” and recalled knowing him from youth politics.
- The piece reappeared this week after ex‑GEIN officer José Luis Gil shared it on social media, prompting national coverage and renewed scrutiny of López‑Chau’s past statements.
- López‑Chau posted a brief message on X saying he did not share the MRTA’s program, claimed his condemnation of terrorism is absolute, and said electoral attacks revive this issue.
- His campaign initially declined press interviews and indicated clarifications would be posted online, while he said he sought to address the causes of violence through institutions in the 1980s.
- Context cited in reports notes the CVR documented MRTA attacks well before 1989 and previously characterized Cambio as an unofficial organ of the group; party ally Harvey Colchado also stated he will never endorse language that minimizes terrorist groups.