Augusta La Torre facts for kids

Augusta Deyanira La Torre Carrasco (born August 29, 1946 – died November 14, 1988) was an important leader in a group called the Shining Path in Peru. She was also known as Comrade Norah. She became the second-in-command of this group. Augusta La Torre played a big role in making sure women could be important members and leaders within the Shining Path, just like men.

Early Life and Political Start

Augusta La Torre was born in Huanta, Peru, in 1946. Her family was very involved in politics. Her father, Carlos La Torre Córdova, was a leader in the Communist party. Because of her family's background, Augusta grew up seeing political activities and protests. It was natural for her to become involved in politics too.

When she was 17, in 1962, she joined the Peruvian Communist Party. She met Abimael Guzmán, who was a philosophy professor. He often visited her family's home in Ayacucho to talk about politics with her father. In February 1964, Augusta married Abimael Guzmán.

Augusta also encouraged Guzmán to start the Popular Women's Movement in Ayacucho in 1965. This group helped women get involved in political activities. She was active in another political group called Bandera Roja (Red Flag). She also helped create the Socorro Popular del Peru (Popular Succour).

The Shining Path

Augusta La Torre was very important in helping Abimael Guzmán create the Shining Path group. She led the group's first major action on December 24, 1980.

She went into hiding with Guzmán in 1978. Augusta La Torre died in November 1988. The exact reasons for her death are not fully known. After her death, Guzmán's second wife, Elena Iparraguirre, took her place as the second-in-command of the Shining Path.

Images for kids

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  Abimael Guzmán with his fist raised during Torres's burial

See also

In Spanish: Augusta La Torre para niños