Prosecutors in Peru accuse Luis Fernando Figari of orchestrating sexual and physical abuse through his organization, Sodalitium Christianae Vitae. Despite a Vatican directive barring Figari from returning to Peru, the scandal casts a shadow over Pope Francis' visit. The Vatican has been criticized for protecting Figari and moving slowly on abuse allegations. Figari, who denies the accusations, faces potential extradition. The case highlights systemic issues within the Church regarding handling abuse cases.

The article discusses the shadow cast over Pope Francis' visit to Peru by the sexual abuse scandal involving Luis Fernando Figari, founder of the Sodalitium Christianae Vitae. Figari is accused of orchestrating sexual and physical abuse of young men, with the Vatican's slow response and protection of Figari drawing criticism. The Vatican has barred Figari from returning to Peru and ordered his organization to cover his living expenses. The scandal highlights broader issues of abuse within the Church and the perceived inadequacies in addressing such crimes.

Peru, once a stable country in Latin America, is facing a political crisis with ex-president Alberto Fujimori's dictatorship ending in 2000 and recent turmoil involving President Martín Vizcarra and the opposition. The crisis escalated with Vizcarra dissolving Congress, which retaliated by declaring the move illegal and appointing the vice president as the new leader. Despite past economic growth and peace after a civil war with the Shining Path, Peru's political landscape is now marked by instability.

Peru is facing its worst political crisis in decades as President Martín Vizcarra dissolved Congress, which is controlled by conservative forces accused of hindering anti-corruption efforts. Congress retaliated by suspending Vizcarra and swearing in Vice President Mercedes Aráoz as acting head of state, leading to a constitutional deadlock. The crisis stems from disputes over judicial appointments and the interpretation of constitutional provisions regarding the dissolution of Congress. While some Peruvians support Vizcarra's move as a purge of corrupt elites, others fear a return to despotic rule reminiscent of Alberto Fujimori's regime in 1992. The outcome of this power struggle may impact Peru's economic growth and the political landscape ahead of the 2021 presidential elections.

President Martín Vizcarra of Peru dissolved Congress, leading to lawmakers attempting to suspend him and appointing Vice President Mercedes Aráoz as the acting head of state. This move comes amid a prolonged corruption crisis that has destabilized the nation's politics. Vizcarra's decision aims to force new parliamentary elections, which have been blocked by the opposition-controlled legislature. The political turmoil reflects deep-seated dysfunction within Peru's governing class.

An international summit in Lima, Peru, highlighted the United States' imposition of its toughest sanctions yet on Venezuela's President Nicolás Maduro. The Trump administration rejected compromises and doubled down on its maximum pressure policy to oust Maduro, freezing Venezuelan state assets in the U.S. and warning third parties against doing business with Maduro's regime. The sanctions come amid a political stalemate between Maduro and opposition leader Juan Guaidó, with the new economic penalties potentially complicating negotiations aimed at resolving the eight-month standoff.

Former Peruvian President Alan García died after shooting himself when authorities attempted to arrest him in connection with the Odebrecht corruption scandal. García, a two-term president, had been under investigation for money laundering and influence peddling. The scandal has led to numerous arrests of high-profile politicians in Latin America. García's death marks a significant moment in Peru's ongoing political crisis, which has seen several former presidents implicated in corruption.

Former President Alan García of Peru died after shooting himself during his arrest amidst accusations of money laundering, influence peddling, and collusion related to the Odebrecht scandal. Odebrecht, a Brazilian construction giant, admitted to $800 million in payoffs for contracts in Latin America. García's political career included two terms as president, with his first term marked by hyperinflation and violence involving the Shining Path rebel group, and his second term characterized by economic growth. The scandal has also implicated other Peruvian leaders, including Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, Alejandro Toledo, and Ollanta Humala.

The article exposes how Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro used Cuban doctors to manipulate voters during elections. Cuban doctors were reportedly instructed to withhold medical treatment and use medicine as leverage to secure votes for Maduro and the Socialist Party. The article includes testimonies from defected Cuban doctors who describe coercive tactics and political manipulation. The Venezuelan and Cuban governments deny these allegations, but human rights experts highlight the unethical nature of these practices. The article underscores the challenges to Maduro's legitimacy and the broader implications for Venezuela's political and healthcare systems.

Venezuela's diplomatic conflict is highlighted by the activities of Carlos Vecchio, the new ambassador to the United States appointed by Juan Guaidó, who is recognized by at least 27 countries including the U.S. and Canada. Vecchio faces challenges as Nicolás Maduro's government still holds power in Caracas and is recognized by most nations. The article discusses the international split in recognizing the two leaders and the ongoing diplomatic efforts by both sides.

The search for Carla Valpeoz, a visually impaired Michigan woman missing in Peru since December 12, has intensified to 'red alert' status. Police are extensively searching areas including Cusco, Pisac, Arequipa, Puerto Maldonado, and Puno. Valpeoz, an avid traveler and advocate for the visually impaired, was last seen entering the Pisac Archaeological Park. Her family, including her father who is in Peru, and the U.S. State Department are actively involved in the search efforts.

Peru's star striker, Paolo Guerrero, will be able to participate in the World Cup in Russia after the Swiss supreme court stayed a doping ban. The decision, which does not clear Guerrero of the doping charge, allows him to play while awaiting a final ruling. The case has been a national priority in Peru, with widespread support from fans and even the country's president. Guerrero's situation highlights the challenges facing the World Anti-Doping Agency, which had appealed for a longer ban. Guerrero's return is a significant moment for Peru, marking their first World Cup appearance in 36 years.

Thousands of fans gathered at Estadio Nacional in Lima, Peru, to support Paolo Guerrero, the star striker facing a doping ban that threatens his participation in the World Cup. The event highlighted a surge in national pride following Peru's first World Cup qualification in 36 years. The public's mood has fluctuated between optimism and despair, with significant media coverage and commentary on the implications for Guerrero and the national team.

Thousands of Peruvian fans gathered at the National Stadium in Lima, expressing their national pride and support for Paolo Guerrero, who helped Peru qualify for its first World Cup in 36 years but is likely to miss the tournament due to a doping suspension. The public's focus has shifted from political reconstruction to Guerrero's case, with emotional responses ranging from anger to despair. The Tribunal de Arbitraje Deportivo extended Guerrero's suspension to the following year, despite an initial reduction by FIFA.

The Rainbow Mountain in the Peruvian Andes, known for its vibrant colors due to mineral deposits, has become a popular tourist destination, bringing economic benefits to the local community but also raising concerns about environmental degradation. Local guide Santos Machacca attributes the mountain's recent discovery to climate change. The influx of tourists has led to significant ecological damage, including the transformation of a swamp into a parking lot and severe trail erosion. A Canadian mining company has applied for mining rights in the area, further exacerbating environmental concerns. Local leaders and tourists alike express worries about the sustainability of tourism and the preparedness of the community to handle the influx of visitors.

At the Summit of the Americas in Lima, Peru, President Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela was notably absent, highlighting his growing isolation due to his authoritarian rule and Venezuela's severe economic crisis. The summit's leaders focused on addressing the pressing threat posed by Venezuela's situation, which includes food shortages and hyperinflation.

Regional leaders gathered in Lima, Peru, for the Summit of the Americas amidst a backdrop of significant corruption scandals. Brazil's former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva began a 12-year jail sentence for corruption, while Colombia's President Juan Manuel Santos arrested a key peace deal negotiator for drug trafficking. Peru's former President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski resigned over corruption allegations. The summit is expected to focus heavily on the pervasive issue of corruption in Latin America.

Martín Vizcarra was sworn in as Peru's president following the resignation of Pedro Pablo Kuczynski amid scandals and a looming impeachment. Vizcarra emphasized the need for justice and an end to political confrontation. Kuczynski's resignation was accepted by Congress, which criticized his language and actions. Vizcarra, a former governor and ambassador, faces challenges in gaining political support, particularly from the Popular Force party. He aims to form a coalition government to navigate the political landscape. Prosecutors are investigating Kuczynski for alleged money-laundering activities.

Peru's first vice president and ambassador to Canada, Martín Vizcarra, is set to become the new president following Pedro Pablo Kuczynski's resignation amid a corruption scandal. Kuczynski resigned after recordings surfaced showing attempts to buy opposition lawmakers' support. Congress was debating whether to accept the resignation or proceed with impeachment. Vizcarra, a former governor, expressed his indignation with the situation but showed readiness to lead the country forward.

In anticipation of the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic meeting in Peru, which President Obama is scheduled to attend, a series of protests have erupted across the country. Peruvian demonstrators are seizing the opportunity to leverage the international attention the meeting will attract to amplify their various causes. The presence of President Obama and other international figures at the gathering has heightened the profile of these demonstrations, as protestors aim to draw global awareness to their issues.

Jared Kushner, senior adviser and son-in-law to President Trump, met with Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto to ease tensions following canceled meetings between the two nations' leaders. The meeting, which excluded the American ambassador, underscores a significant shift in U.S. diplomacy under the Trump administration, marked by a more personalized and less professional approach. Critics argue this method undermines U.S. interests and leverage in the region.

Americo González Caldua, a field helper in the Cordillera Blanca mountain range of northern Peru, has witnessed the dramatic retreat of the Andean glaciers over his lifetime. As temperatures rise, the ice recedes further each year, with scientists predicting many peaks will be glacier-free within 50 years. González's observations, alongside glaciologist Justiniano Alejo Cochachin, reveal the impact of climate change on the landscape, including uncovered fossils, poisoned rivers, and altered grazing patterns for livestock. González's son, Álvaro, plans to study climate science, influenced by his father's experiences.

Pope Francis, during his visit to Peru, praised the youth but did not address the issue of sexual abuse within the church, despite recent scandals involving the Peru-based Catholic group Sodalitium Christianae Vitae. The Pope's silence on the matter, especially after addressing similar issues in Chile, drew criticism. The article highlights the involvement of various church figures in the abuse allegations and the Vatican's controversial handling of the accused.

Pope Francis visited Trujillo, Peru, to console victims of natural disasters caused by the El Niño phenomenon, which led to deadly mudslides and storms. He acknowledged the resilience of the affected communities and highlighted themes of poverty and environmental challenges. The country is still recovering from the severe weather that resulted in significant loss of life and displacement.

United Nations human rights experts condemned the medical pardon granted to former Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori, who was serving a 25-year sentence for extrajudicial killings and other crimes. The pardon, announced by President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, sparked widespread protests in Lima. Critics argue that the pardon undermines the Peruvian judiciary and the rule of law, while supporters of Fujimori highlight his economic reforms and efforts against insurgencies. The decision has deeply divided the nation, with significant backlash from victims and human rights advocates.

Amadeo García García is the last person on Earth who speaks Taushiro, a language from the Amazon. The language's potential extinction is highlighted by Amadeo's life in Intuto, Peru, and his history as part of an uncontacted tribe. Despite efforts to preserve Taushiro, the language is likely to disappear with Amadeo, who has not had a conversation in his native tongue since his brother's death and whose children, now in Puerto Rico, did not have the chance to learn it.

Peru's President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski faces backlash after granting a medical pardon to former President Alberto Fujimori, who was imprisoned for human rights abuses. Human rights lawyers argue that the pardon violates the Inter-American Human Rights Court's rulings. Francisco Soberón, director of the Pro-Human Rights Association, plans to challenge the pardon and request an audit of the medical report justifying it. Fujimori, suffering from multiple health issues, was hospitalized after a drop in blood pressure.

After surviving an impeachment attempt, President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski aims to reorganize his government and seek reconciliation. The impeachment motion, which fell eight votes short, was driven by allegations of Kuczynski's ties to the Odebrecht graft scandal. Kuczynski and his supporters argue the proceedings were politically motivated, while critics accuse him of perjury and unethical behavior. The president acknowledges his firm's transactions with Odebrecht but denies any wrongdoing. The administration, led by Kuczynski and Second Vice President Mercedes Araoz, plans to engage in dialogue and continue efforts to stabilize the nation.

President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski narrowly avoided impeachment after a Congressional motion to remove him from office failed. The crisis highlighted his fragile hold on power and the strength of far-right politics in Peru. A faction of the right-wing Popular Force party, founded by the daughter of former authoritarian leader Alberto Fujimori, unexpectedly supported Kuczynski. Experts suggest the crisis was driven by congressional overreach, reflecting Peru's complex political landscape.

In Lima, Peru, the ongoing corruption scandal involving the Brazilian construction giant Odebrecht has reached new heights, potentially implicating President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski. Peru's Congress is initiating impeachment proceedings against Kuczynski, who is accused of improperly receiving $782,000 from Odebrecht. The president acknowledges the payment but denies any wrongdoing. This development is part of a broader wave of corruption charges affecting several Latin American countries, signaling a significant turning point in the region.

Peruvian lawmakers have initiated proceedings to potentially remove President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski due to allegations of his involvement in a corruption scandal with Odebrecht, a Brazilian construction company. Odebrecht admitted to paying $800 million in bribes for project contracts, and documents indicate that Kuczynski's company, Westfield Capital, received $782,000 in advisory fees during his tenure as economy minister and prime minister. A hearing is scheduled for the following Thursday, where Kuczynski is expected to defend himself.

Donald J. Trump's trademark applications for his brand of home accessories have seen accelerated progress in Peru since his election. This has raised ethical and legal concerns among constitutional and ethics lawyers, who argue that the Constitution's emoluments clause prohibits the president from accepting economic benefits from foreign governments. Trump's business empire, now managed by his sons, has numerous trademark applications pending globally, with significant financial implications. The debate extends to Ivanka Trump, who also has pending trademark applications in multiple countries. Critics argue that these foreign dealings could influence presidential decisions, while Trump's defenders claim that the court lacks authority to intervene. The Trump Organization continues to enforce its intellectual property rights worldwide, despite ongoing legal and ethical scrutiny.

A catastrophic mudslide erased the village of Barba Blanca in Peru, yet all 150 residents escaped. Torrential rains have caused widespread destruction across South America, including deadly floods and mudslides in Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia. In Mocoa, Colombia, a torrent of water and debris killed at least 293 people. The region continues to face severe weather challenges.

A corruption scandal involving the Brazilian construction giant Odebrecht has implicated political leaders in Peru and Colombia. Peruvian prosecutors have issued an arrest warrant for former President Alejandro Toledo, accusing him of accepting $20 million in bribes. In Colombia, President Juan Manuel Santos's re-election campaign is under investigation for potentially receiving $1 million from Odebrecht. The scandal has also affected former Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's administration, with Odebrecht's former CEO Marcelo Odebrecht sentenced to 19 years in prison for corruption and money laundering.

Hundreds of state workers, fishermen, and residents near Machu Picchu have protested in Lima, Peru, due to unpaid wages, fishing restrictions, and unresponsive railway operations. These protests coincide with the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, where President Obama and other world leaders are gathering. The Peruvian Navy imposed security measures affecting fishermen, who are now allowed to fish with restrictions.

Peru is intensifying efforts to combat illegal gold mining in the Tambopata National Reserve, deploying forest rangers and marines to dismantle mining settlements and equipment. Despite these efforts, experts fear the damage to one of the most biologically diverse places on earth may be irreversible. Illegal mining in Peru has escalated, causing severe environmental destruction and mercury pollution, which poses a health risk to local populations. The government's strategies, including fuel controls and raids, have had limited success, with corruption and organized crime fueling the illegal industry. The scale of illegal mining threatens to overshadow legal mining activities, with deforestation rates tripling post-2008 financial crisis. The situation is dire, with the reserve's rich biodiversity at risk and the local waterways heavily polluted, affecting both wildlife and human communities.

Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, a former Wall Street banker and finance minister, declared victory in Peru's presidential contest after narrowly defeating Keiko Fujimori. With 99.7 percent of the ballots counted, Kuczynski led by approximately 41,000 votes out of 18 million cast. Despite Fujimori's first-place finish in the initial round and a lead in pre-election polls, it appeared unlikely she could surpass Kuczynski with the remaining votes. Fujimori's party members indicated they would challenge some ballots due to unspecified irregularities. The winner is set to take office on July 28.

Peru's presidential race has tightened as votes continue to be counted, with Pedro Pablo Kuczynski leading Keiko Fujimori by a narrow margin. Fujimori, daughter of former president Alberto Fujimori, is closing the gap as votes from abroad and rural areas are tallied. The election has drawn regional attention due to Fujimori's controversial father, who remains popular for his actions against the Shining Path rebel group despite his conviction for corruption and human rights abuses. Kuczynski, a former prime minister and Wall Street investor, promises infrastructure investments and tax code changes, while Fujimori campaigns on law-and-order and attracting foreign investment.

Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, a former prime minister of Peru, holds a narrow lead over Keiko Fujimori in the presidential election. The partial count shows a 1 percent advantage for Kuczynski, with officials calling it a technical tie. Both candidates campaigned on free-market platforms, but the election is seen as a referendum on the legacy of Keiko's father, Alberto Fujimori, who is imprisoned for corruption and human rights abuses. Despite her initial lead and majority in Congress, Keiko Fujimori's campaign faced challenges in the final count.

Peru's presidential elections are heading to a runoff with Keiko Fujimori, daughter of former president Alberto Fujimori, leading against centrist Pedro Pablo Kuczynski. Keiko's campaign focuses on foreign investment and law-and-order, while critics fear a return to her father's authoritarianism. Alberto Fujimori's legacy, marked by both economic achievements and human rights abuses, remains a contentious issue. The runoff's outcome is uncertain, with potential shifts in voter support. Public opinion is divided, with some supporting Keiko for her gender and ideas, while others favor Kuczynski for his economic vision.

Presidential elections in Peru are heading to a runoff with Keiko Fujimori, daughter of former president Alberto Fujimori, leading with about 38 percent of the vote. Trailing her is Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, a centrist economist. Fujimori's campaign focused on promoting foreign investment and restoring her father's law-and-order legacy. The runoff is scheduled for June 5.

Adelma Tapia Ruiz, a Peruvian resident of Brussels, was killed in the Brussels Airport bombing while traveling with her twin daughters to New York. One daughter, Maureen, sustained shrapnel wounds, while the other, Alondra, was unharmed. Her husband, Christopher Delcambe, was also injured. The attack claimed at least 30 lives. Fernando Tapia Coral, Adelma's brother, confirmed her death and expressed his family's shock and grief. Adelma was remembered as an active woman and aspiring chef who had planned to open a Peruvian restaurant in Brussels.

The suicide bomber responsible for the Istanbul attack was identified as Nabil Fadil, a Syrian citizen and Islamic State operative who entered Turkey as a refugee. The attack, which killed 10 German tourists, has heightened concerns over Turkey's border security and its handling of the refugee crisis. Turkish officials have detained five people in connection with the bombing and are implementing stricter security measures. The incident underscores the complex challenges Turkey faces in balancing national security with immigration pressures, especially amid its cooperation with the American-led coalition against ISIS in Syria.

Lori Berenson, after serving a 20-year sentence for aiding leftist rebels in Peru, prepared to return to the United States. Berenson, who was convicted of treason and later of lesser charges, was seen by many Peruvians as a terrorist and by Americans as a cautionary tale. Her journey included imprisonment in harsh conditions and eventual parole. The article highlights her background, the charges against her, and the differing perceptions of her actions in Peru and the United States.

Lori Berenson, an American who served a 20-year sentence in Peru for aiding the Túpac Amaru Revolutionary Movement, is set to be deported to the United States. Berenson, who was initially sentenced to life in prison by a military court but later received a 20-year sentence from a civilian court, plans to live with her parents in New York City. Her lawyer, Aníbal Apari, confirmed that the paperwork for her deportation is being completed. Berenson's son, born in prison, will accompany her to the U.S. Berenson was accused of involvement in a plot to storm Peru's Congress and take hostages, a charge she has denied.

On the first Sunday after Pope Francis issued his encyclical on the environment, few priests or bishops outside Latin America addressed the topic in their sermons. The document, 'Laudato Si’,' links environmental issues with moral and spiritual teachings, condemning the exploitation of resources by the wealthy at the expense of the poor. While some clergy and parishioners in countries like Peru and Mexico acknowledged the pope's message, many others did not mention it. The encyclical calls for global responsibility in caring for the environment, highlighting the interconnectedness of all creation.

Colombia has halted the aerial spraying of coca, reflecting a broader resistance across Latin America to U.S.-led drug policies. Countries like Bolivia and Chile are adopting more lenient approaches, with Bolivia allowing limited coca cultivation and Chile harvesting medical marijuana. This shift signifies a decline in U.S. influence and a growing belief that traditional drug war strategies have failed. Uruguay is also regulating its legal marijuana industry, drawing comparisons to U.S. states like Colorado and Washington.

South American countries are facing economic challenges as the decade-long commodity boom ends. Venezuela is implementing budget cuts due to falling oil prices, Peru is relaxing environmental regulations to boost mining production, and Brazil is expected to adopt business-friendly policies to stabilize its economy. The region is at a crossroads, with uncertainty about whether it will experience a bust or manage to avert it through prudent government actions.

Peruvian officials have accused Greenpeace of refusing to disclose the identities of activists who entered a protected area near the Nazca Lines and caused damage during a United Nations climate change summit in Lima. Congressman Alejandro Aguinaga criticized the group for disrespecting Peruvian laws and causing irreparable harm to national heritage. Culture Minister Diana Álvarez indicated that authorities are seeking to identify the activists for potential extradition, noting that they have likely left the country.

Greenpeace activists damaged a restricted area near the Nazca lines in Peru by placing a sign promoting renewable energy, drawing criticism from Peruvian authorities. The incident occurred during a United Nations climate summit in Lima. Greenpeace apologized, but Peruvian officials, including Vice Minister for Cultural Heritage Luis Jaime Castillo, expressed anger and stated that the damage might be irreparable.

In Junín, Peru, the high demand for maca, a vegetable with purported health benefits, has led to theft and a surge in local wealth. Chinese buyers, attracted by maca's reputation as an aphrodisiac, have been purchasing the crop with cash, causing a gold rush effect. However, concerns have arisen over the illegal smuggling of maca and its seeds out of Peru, violating laws meant to protect local businesses and prevent the crop from being grown elsewhere. The National Commission Against Biopiracy's president, Andrés Valladolid, highlighted the unauthorized cultivation of maca abroad.

The article explores the widespread but incorrect belief that many iron structures in South America, including the Iron Bridge in Arequipa, Peru, were designed by Gustave Eiffel. It highlights the work of Darci Gutiérrez, an architecture professor, who has been debunking these myths. The article provides historical context about Eiffel's actual projects in Peru and the reasons behind the misattributions, such as the association of European, particularly French, engineering with sophistication and modernity. It also discusses the true origins of several structures, attributing them to other engineers and companies, such as the Phoenix Iron Co. and American entrepreneur Henry Meiggs. The narrative underscores the persistence of cultural myths despite historical evidence to the contrary.

Archaeologists are increasingly incorporating drones into their toolkit to protect and study endangered archaeological sites, particularly in Peru. Luis Jaime Castillo Butters, Peru's vice minister of cultural heritage, has established a drone air force for mapping and monitoring purposes. Drones are also being used in New Mexico for thermal imaging of ancient settlements and in the Middle East to prevent looting. The technology represents a significant advancement in archaeological methods.

In Huanchaco, Peru, the traditional practice of fishing with reed boats known as caballitos de totora is under threat due to environmental degradation and socio-economic changes. The marshy beds where reeds are grown are being destroyed by shoreline erosion and real estate development. Younger generations are moving away from fishing, opting for other professions, leading to concerns that the tradition may die out with the current older fishermen.

Jacob Ostreicher, a Brooklyn businessman who was jailed in Bolivia for 18 months on unproven money laundering charges, escaped house arrest and fled to the United States. Bolivian Justice Minister Cecilia Ayllón suggested Ostreicher had been testing the limits of his house arrest before his clandestine departure, likely through Peru. Ostreicher had been managing a rice-farming enterprise in Bolivia and was imprisoned in the notorious Palmasola prison, where he claimed to have been assaulted and extorted by inmates.

Corruption in Peru is significantly aiding illegal logging activities in the Amazon rain forest, despite laws aimed at curbing such practices. Prosecutor Francisco Berrospi faces challenges from local police and judges, who are often influenced by bribes. The World Bank estimates that up to 80 percent of Peru's logging exports are illegal, with much of the timber ending up in the United States. The preservation of Peru's dense forests is crucial for combating global warming and protecting unique species.

Gladiz Collatupa and Sonia Rojas, working for Peru’s Ministry of Culture, are dedicated to preventing the smuggling of Peru’s ancient artifacts through the postal system. Their efforts have led to multiple seizures of valuable historic and prehistoric items, including pre-Columbian textiles, fossils, and colonial paintings. The program aims to curb the depletion of Peru’s cultural heritage, a problem that has persisted since the Spanish conquest.

Five Americans and two Peruvians died in a helicopter crash near Pucallpa, Peru. The victims, employees of Columbia Helicopters, were en route to an oil exploration site. The cause of the crash is under investigation by Peruvian transportation officials. Witnesses reported an explosion upon impact, and photographs showed the helicopter's charred remains.

Chinalco, a Chinese government-owned company, has constructed a new town near Morococha, Peru, to relocate over 5,000 residents for a new open-pit copper mine. Despite moving nearly 700 families since September, several hundred residents are protesting the demolition of their century-old village. The new settlement, potentially named Nueva Morococha, is situated just six miles from the original town but represents a significant change for the inhabitants.

The Pontifical Catholic University of Peru is embroiled in a conflict with the Vatican over its name, with the church demanding the removal of references to the pope and Catholicism. Critics argue the university has strayed from Roman Catholic orthodoxy, while supporters of the school, including its president Marcial Rubio, see the move as a hostile takeover by conservative elements led by Cardinal Juan Luis Cipriani. The dispute highlights broader tensions over academic freedom and church authority, affecting students and the university's legacy.

A Peruvian court has granted Lori Berenson, an American paroled after a terrorism conviction, permission to visit the United States for the holidays. Berenson, who spent over 15 years in Peruvian prisons, will travel to New York with her son, Salvador, and stay at her parents' home. She must return to Peru by January 11 to comply with her parole conditions. Berenson's case remains politically polarizing in Peru, where she was convicted of collaborating with a terrorist group in 1995. Her former husband, Aníbal Apari Sánchez, serves as her lawyer.

President Ollanta Humala of Peru has dismissed 30 of the 45 generals in the national police force as part of an anti-corruption drive, including its director, Gen. Raúl Becerra. The move, detailed in Peru's official newspaper El Peruano, is seen as a significant assertion of control over the country's institutions. The purge comes amid efforts to strengthen the police force to combat rising crime and drug trafficking, and follows opinion polls indicating the police as highly corrupt. Some dismissed generals are under corruption investigations, while others, like Gen. Horacio Huivin Grandez, feel unfairly treated. Vice President Omar Chehade supported the action, stating it was the result of a serious evaluation.

Ollanta Humala, a nationalist former military officer, appears to be heading towards a narrow victory in Peru's presidential election against Keiko Fujimori, based on incomplete official returns. Humala's potential win signifies a challenge to Peru's current economic model, which has seen robust growth but left many in poverty. Humala has moderated his previously radical views, drawing inspiration from former Brazilian president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. With most ballots counted, Humala leads with a slight margin. The election reflects widespread dissatisfaction with the economic disparity in Peru.

Peruvian electoral officials announced that Ollanta Humala and Keiko Fujimori are set to compete in a presidential runoff election in June. Humala, a nationalist and former military officer, led the first round with 31.2 percent of the votes, while Fujimori, who seeks a pardon for her father, a former president imprisoned for human rights violations, followed with 23.2 percent. Both candidates have moved away from their previous images, with Humala adopting a more moderate stance and Fujimori focusing on her father's success against guerrillas rather than his scandals.

Ollanta Humala, a former military officer, has emerged as a leading candidate in Peru's presidential race, challenging establishment candidates with his nationalist platform. Despite Peru's economic boom, widespread inequality fuels his support. Humala has moderated his image, distancing himself from Hugo Chávez and drawing inspiration from Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Analysts debate whether his changes are genuine. The election is expected to go to a runoff, with no candidate likely to secure a majority. Mario Vargas Llosa criticizes the leading candidates, highlighting the contentious nature of the race.

Lori Berenson, a New Yorker convicted in Peru for collaborating with the Marxist rebel group M.R.T.A., faces public scorn after being paroled following over 14 years in prison. Despite her attempts to reintegrate into society, including taking online classes and caring for her son, she is met with hostility and legal challenges. Her parole was briefly revoked due to a technicality but later reinstated. Berenson's past actions and her current situation reflect the lingering effects of Peru's violent history, and her future remains uncertain as the antiterrorism prosecutor appeals her parole.

President Alan García of Peru, despite economic growth and a second term in office, continues to face low approval ratings and criticism from his constituents. His political journey has seen significant ups and downs, including exile and corruption charges. While foreign observers commend his economic policies, many Peruvians remain dissatisfied with persistent poverty and corruption. García remains resilient, hinting at a potential future comeback.

Rapaz, a remote village in the Andes, preserves a collection of khipus, the enigmatic woven knots used by the Incas for communication and record-keeping. Despite the Spanish conquest and subsequent destruction of many khipus, about 600 survive, with significant collections held in places like Berlin’s Ethnological Museum. Researchers, including those at Harvard, are employing modern techniques to decode these artifacts, which remain one of the world's most challenging lost writings. Rapaz's khipus, still used in rituals, offer a unique insight into Inca civilization and its administrative prowess.

Coca cultivation is resurging in Peru's remote tropical valleys, positioning the country to potentially surpass Colombia as the world's largest cocaine exporter. Mexican and Colombian drug trafficking rings are expanding their reach in Peru, where Shining Path guerrillas are competing for control of the cocaine trade. Despite American-financed eradication efforts, coca cultivation is increasing, driven by resilient demand in the U.S., Brazil, and Europe. The 'balloon effect' of shifting cultivation areas is evident, with Peru's coca cultivation rising as Colombia's falls. The resurgence is visible in towns like Tingo María, where the local economy is revitalized by coca farming. American antinarcotics aid continues, but the effectiveness of eradication efforts remains in question.

Lori Berenson, a former leftist activist from New York, has been granted parole after 14 years in a Peruvian prison on terrorism charges. Her release has sparked mixed reactions in Peru, where resentment over her past involvement with the Túpac Amaru Revolutionary Movement persists. Berenson, now 40, has adapted to prison life by teaching music and baking, and is devoted to her 1-year-old son, Salvador. Despite her parole, she must remain in Peru until 2015 and adhere to strict conditions. The Peruvian government and public remain divided on her release, reflecting ongoing tensions from the country's violent past.

A Peruvian judge ordered the release on parole of Lori Berenson, an American who spent over 14 years in prison for collaborating with a Marxist rebel group in a failed plot to take the Peruvian Congress hostage. Berenson, who must remain in Peru while on parole, was expected to be released the following day. The Peruvian government plans to appeal the ruling. Berenson, who married former rebel Aníbal Apari and gave birth to a son while in prison, had been serving a 20-year sentence. Her father expressed joy over her release, marking a significant moment for the family.

Mudslides triggered by severe rains have stranded over 1,000 tourists near Machu Picchu, with more than 1,200 evacuated by helicopter. The natural disaster has caused significant damage, killed up to 10 people, and left many tourists facing food and water shortages. The Peruvian military and American helicopters have been instrumental in the evacuation efforts.