Marita: From Dancer to Legend

The Beginning of Marita's Story

• The public statement by the President of the Council of Ministers concludes, leading into a narrative about Marita, who had everything for happiness: youth, beauty, intelligence, and talent in art.

• On September 12, 1992, during Operation Victoria, anti-terrorist police captured Abimael Guzmán and the leadership of Sendero Luminoso (Shining Path), marking a significant moment in Peruvian history.

Marita's Transformation

• A notable detail from Guzmán's capture was that he was guarded by a modern dance performer. This event marked a turning point for Marita as she left her past behind.

• Born on March 27, 1965, in Callao as the youngest of five siblings, Marita was influenced heavily by her mother’s strict control and encouragement to pursue ballet from an early age.

Education and Early Life

• Marita attended Colegio Sofian and graduated in December 1981 as an exemplary student; she even campaigned against spending money on graduation trips.

• At just 18 years old, she enrolled at Universidad Católica to study early childhood education but soon embraced a more rebellious identity.

Political Engagement and Artistic Pursuits

• During her university years amidst political turmoil under Alan García’s government, Marita became involved with radical student movements while also exploring arts and culture.

• She joined bohemian circles around Jirón Quilca that included underground artists and leftist poets discussing national realities.

Personal Relationships and Ideological Conflicts

• In August 1985 at age 20, Marita married Saul Eduardo Mankevich but their marriage ended within two years due to stark political differences.

• While Marita faced life imprisonment accused of treason in the '90s, her ex-husband worked closely with Fujimori’s regime—a paradox highlighting their diverging paths.

Artistic Evolution

• As her relationship with Mankevich deteriorated, Marita deepened her ties with leftist intellectual circles while maintaining friendships with influential figures like poet Rafael Dávila.

The Journey of Marita Garrido: From Dance to Subversion

Early Influences and Connections

• Marita Garrido was inspired by a poem titled "Chanson d'amour" written by a poet in the context of her dance career, indicating her artistic connections.

• In the mid-1980s, she became involved with Rafael Dávila Franco and other intellectual circles, including associations with the MRTA (Túpac Amaru Revolutionary Movement).

• Her proximity to these groups led to her name appearing in police investigations related to anti-terrorism efforts as they were linked to Sendero Luminoso (Shining Path).

Shift Towards Radical Ideologies

• Marita's involvement deepened as she engaged with literary production connected to Sendero Luminoso, reflecting a shift from art to political activism.

• Despite her studies, she expressed no remorse for her choices, viewing repentance as morally inferior.

• A trip to Cuba helped solidify her political stance; upon returning, she crafted a new identity that masked her radical affiliations.

Dual Life and Family Dynamics

• To family and friends, Marita presented herself as a dedicated modern dancer and educator while secretly engaging in subversive activities.

• Nelly Evans Risco, an influential figure in Marita's life, played a crucial role in introducing her to Maoist ideologies during personal crises.

Transformation into Activism

• By the early 1990s, under Nelly's influence, Marita embraced Marxism-Leninism-Maoism aligned with Gonzalo Thought from Sendero Luminoso.

• This ideological shift stemmed from feelings of social responsibility and guilt over privilege amidst widespread injustice.

Escalation of Commitment

• As violence escalated in Lima due to Sendero's actions, law enforcement intensified their pursuit of leaders like Abimael Guzmán.

• During this period of turmoil, Nelly was captured while Marita distanced herself permanently from family ties.

Role within Sendero Luminoso

• Marita became closely associated with Carlos Inchaustegui and participated actively within Guzmán’s inner circle amid ongoing violence.

Marita Garrido Leca: A Complex Life

Marita's Relationships and Ideological Connections

• Marita's decision to distance herself from her parents was a conscious choice, influenced by her close friendship with her uncle Celso Garrido Leca, a renowned classical musician and communist party member.

• She developed strong ideological ties with her uncle and his partner Patricia Guara, an artist in the same cultural circles, indicating a shift away from familial connections towards more aligned friendships.

Communication Breakdown with Parents

• In June 1992, Marita sent a letter to her parents from Cuzco, misleading them about accompanying Carlos for work while actually seeking distance from their scrutiny regarding her activities.

• Despite monthly letters sent by her parents to a postal box in Cuzco, Marita never responded, highlighting the growing estrangement between them.

Intelligence Operations and Arrest

• The police were tightening their investigation around Abimael Guzmán when they received critical intelligence from Luis Alberto Arana Franco (Sotil), who provided detailed information during interrogations after his capture.

• Arana’s insights were pivotal in locating Marita; he had been involved in clandestine meetings that led to significant developments within the Sendero Luminoso organization.

Surveillance and Capture Events

• On April 4th of that year, Arana met with Walter Senón Vargas (Arturo), leading to covert operations monitored by DINCOTE agents who noted suspicious individuals following them.

• During surveillance at a parking lot near Teatro Marzano, agents observed Arana entering a vehicle driven by an attractive young woman fitting the description of someone linked to their investigations.

Identification of Key Individuals

• Following intense searches for the mysterious woman and the man in the cap, investigators discovered that the vehicle belonged to Carlos Inchaustegui. This identification was crucial for linking him back to previous observations.

• After being captured shortly after meeting Guzmán on April 4th, Arana revealed logistical tasks assigned during that encounter which included securing new party locations—an operation cut short due to his arrest.

Final Developments in Investigation

• Investigators found evidence suggesting that weeks before Arana's capture, Carlos Inchaustegui and Marita had stayed at a location under surveillance—a house posing as a dance academy but serving as cover for their activities.

Investigating Lolo and Lola: The Dincote's Pursuit

Surveillance and Identification

• The Dincote prioritized investigations into a house linked to Lolo and Lola, which was under constant surveillance, including filming and photography.

• An experienced agent recognized Marita from past connections with the group that printed "El Vocero" for Sendero Luminoso, noting her memorable appearance.

Context of Violence

• By August 1992, Sendero Luminoso escalated its violent campaign in Lima, marked by brutal attacks like the Tarata street bombing and targeted killings of police officers.

• It became crucial to confirm if Abimael Guzmán was hiding in the monitored house.

Suspicious Activities

• Observations indicated unusual activities at the residence; excessive food purchases for two thin individuals and medications that seemed unnecessary raised suspicions.

• A large white car was seen frequently near the house, prompting agents to prepare for an imminent raid.

The Raid on September 12, 1992

• On the night of September 12, Marita's friends visited her while discussing a costume for a ballet performance. They brought wine as a gift.

• As they left around 9 PM, Dincote officials executed their plan to storm the house immediately after the visitors exited.

Confirmation of Suspicions

• Within moments of entering, officials confirmed it was indeed Guzmán’s hideout along with other high-ranking members of Sendero Luminoso.

Interrogation Insights

• During interrogation at Dincote, Marita denied being a terrorist or knowing Guzmán despite evidence linking her to him and his associates.

• She maintained her identity as a professional dancer while downplaying any connection to terrorism despite clear evidence against her.

Denial and Justifications

• Marita insisted on her primary role as a dancer who teaches classes but struggled to provide credible explanations for suspicious purchases made at home.

Family Encounter Post-Capture

• General Katin Vidal witnessed Marita's first brief meeting with her parents post-capture; it revealed their psychological distress without recrimination towards her actions.

Sentencing

Gonzalo's Legacy and Marita Garrido Leca's Perspective

Marita Garrido Leca's Stance on Terrorism

• Marita asserts that she does not feel remorse for her role in the "guerra popular," emphasizing her belief in the irreplaceability of Gonzalo as a leader of the Communist Party of Peru.

• During an interview, she identifies herself as a political prisoner and a daughter of the Peruvian people, rejecting any label of terrorism.

• She clarifies that not belonging to Sendero Luminoso is not a crime, expressing disdain for the concept of regret, which she views as morally low.

The Nature of Armed Struggle

• Marita discusses how the potential for renewed armed struggle in Peru is independent of individual incarcerations; historical context and class struggle will dictate future actions.

Life in Prison

• After being transferred to Socabaya prison, her conditions improved significantly. She engaged in manual work and reading while pursuing education.

• Despite some claims about her intentions to re-enter politics from another angle, she remains focused on personal development within prison walls.

Legal Battles and Public Appearances

• In July 2001, Marita participated in a ceremony at Chorrillos prison for rehabilitated inmates; this marked her last public appearance before sending letters demanding a new trial with civil court guarantees.

• Her defense argues that her original sentencing was excessive due to procedural injustices during her trial.

Reflection on Past Actions

• The narrative reflects on Marita’s past life as a promising university student who became involved with violent acts associated with Gonzalo’s leadership.

Current Status and Future Prospects

• Now 37 years old, Marita has spent nearly ten years imprisoned under life sentences. Her legal team continues to seek avenues for reducing her sentence through habeas corpus petitions.