Page "Contras" Paragraph 44

Similarly, the Catholic Institute for International Relations ( CIIR, now known as " Progressio "), a human rights organization which identifies itself with liberation theology, had summarized Contra operating procedures in their 1987 human rights report: " The record of the contras in the field, as opposed to their official professions of democratic faith, is one of consistent and bloody abuse of human rights, of murder, torture, mutilation, rape, arson, destruction and kidnapping.

" Earlier, in December 1984, the Council on Hemispheric Affairs had issued a report condemning the Contras and the United States government as being among the worst human rights violators in Latin America: " The CIA directed forces are among the worst human rights violators in Latin America, responsible for systematic brutality against a civilian population.

For it's critical role in facilitating the Contra violence, the States Administration must share responsibility as a hemispheric violator of human rights.

The Contras have killed, tortured, raped, mutilated and abducted hundreds of civilians they suspect of sympathizing with the Sandinistas.

Victims have included peasants, teachers, doctors and agricultural workers.