Hector Bejar Peruvian sociologist and revolutionary Date of Birth: 02.12.1935 Country: Peru

1. Héctor Béjar: A Peruvian Sociologist and Revolutionary
2. Political Activism:
3. Founding the ELN:
4. Armed Struggle:
5. Capture and Imprisonment:
6. Later Life:

Héctor Béjar: A Peruvian Sociologist and Revolutionary

Héctor Béjar is a Peruvian sociologist, revolutionary, and former leader of the National Liberation Army (Ejército de Liberación Nacional, ELN). Born into a mixed Spanish-indigenous family, Béjar studied law and literature at the University of San Marcos and graduated from the School of Fine Arts.

Political Activism:

Béjar became involved in politics by joining the Peruvian Communist Party, where he rose through the ranks to the Central Committee. However, in 1958, he was expelled from the party due to his opposition to electoral compromises with the local oligarchy.

Founding the ELN:

Inspired by Cuba's socialist revolution, Béjar set out to unite radical left-wing groups. In 1962, he co-founded the ELN with Juan Pablo Chang. Béjar and Javier Heraud traveled to Cuba to negotiate support for guerrilla leader Hugo Blanco.

Armed Struggle:

In 1965, the ELN launched an armed struggle against the Peruvian government in the Ayacucho region. However, their efforts were met with severe repression. In December 1965, an ELN unit was ambushed and wiped out, resulting in the death of Javier Heraud.

Capture and Imprisonment:

Béjar narrowly escaped the ambush and spent two months wandering in the jungle before reaching Lima. In 1966, he was arrested and imprisoned for his role in the ELN. After his release, he continued to be a vocal political activist and critic of the Peruvian government.

Later Life:

Béjar has served as a professor and has been an outspoken advocate for social justice and human rights. He remains a respected figure in Peruvian politics and continues to inspire generations of activists.