The Hemisphere: Dictator's Deterrent

In Peru, as in nine other Latin American countries, capital punishment has long been outlawed. The last Peruvian to suffer the death penalty was a bandit executed by a firing squad in Cajamarca 42 years ago. Last week the Peruvian military junta restored the death penalty for murder, treason and any homicidal action which might "endanger the lives of large numbers of people." Dictator-President Manuel Odria's decree was an obvious warning to the outlawed APRA party: any homicidal action against the junta would endanger many a life.

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