In a frightening, yet not all together unanticipated, turn of events, the civilian trial of Shining Path, aka Sendero Luminoso (Group Profile) self-proclaimed founder and leader, Abimael Guzman has been suspended. This case was to focus on Guzman?s use of a high school as a recruiting ground for membership and a source of financing his campaign. While the first session of the trial devolved into chaos (Please see the November 11, 2004 WAR Report), the second session of court focused less on Guzman than on the judges? participation in the trial. The state prosecutor called for the removal of two judges due to their previous involvement in rebel trials. The first judge, Carlos Manrique, withdrew because of ?comments he made about Guzman in an earlier case? that might bring into question his partiality and his involvement in other rebel cases. The second judge, Jose de Vinatea, seemingly reluctantly stepped down due to his involvement in that case as well. Vinatea questioned what ?devine inspiration? suddenly came over Manrique to only then recall this conflict of interest. Dante Terrel, the sole remaining judge, has thus far refused to step down despite having defended rebels himself. He said simply, ?I have not done anything to justify my stepping down in this case.? After Vinatea recused himself, the trial was annulled. Defense lawyer Luz Villanueva countered, ?This demonstrates that the judicial system is not prepared to handle terrorism trials.? Another said, ?The legal process is defunct.?

As a result, Peru?s top judge in cases of terrorism, Pablo Talavera, who heads the National Terrorism Court, said he would personally preside the case if new judges are not named and that it would restart in 30 days.