Terrorist group Shining Path (Sendero Luminoso) becoming more active, taxing Brazilian loggers and drug traffickers to access Peruvian markets. Ex-President Fujimori, in exile in Japan, announced intent to stand for 2006 presidential elections. Government announced torture charges against Fujimori, adding to charges already laid. New intelligence chief appointed after predecessor resigned in September following allegations of spying on journalists. Anger grows amongst coca farmers as U.S. and Peruvian governments eradicate plant.

Ex-President Alberto Fujimori commenced broadcasting radio messages to Lima from exile in Japan – prelude to intended political comeback. Intelligence chief resigned over state-sponsored spying on journalists. Imprisoned leader of MRTA rebel group says group has renounced armed conflict and wants to become political party.

Truth and Reconciliation Commission issued report on 28 August stating more than 69,000 people killed between 1980 and 2000. Maoist rebels, chiefly Shining Path (Sendero Luminoso), responsible for more than half these deaths. Shining Path guerrilla group appears to be operating again, after having been thought largely wiped out in 1990s. Japan rejected request to extradite former President Fujimori. Although criminal indictments against him remain in place, Fujimori considering return to Peruvian politics for 2006 elections.