ARRESTS IN PERU

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30453, 29 May 1964, Page 11

ARRESTS IN PERU

(N.Z. Press Assn.—Copyright) LIMA (Peru), May 27.

More than 50 persons have been arrested on charges of looting or inciting violence in, connexion with Sunday’s soccer game riot and stampede that caused 328 deaths, the Peruvian Government has announced. The Government said that left-wing extremists were trying to stir up anti-Govern-ment demonstrations in spite of a state of siege—a modified form of martial law —decreed after the rioting. Five Communists were arrested yesterday for putting up anti-Government posters and a round-up of suspects continues. The National Sports Committee announced a ban on the sale of bottled drinks at the stadium. Some of the injured on Sunday were hurt by thrown bottles. In Montevideo, Uruguay, the referee, Mr A. E. Paros, in the disastrous game, said that the stadium gates were open 15 minutes before the game was to end. However, he said, the gates were closed before the game ended. “This does not make sense,” he added. Officials have said that the gates were closed because toughs were trying to get in to the stadium.

Argentina defeated Peru 1-0 after Mr Pazos had disallowed what would have been an equalising goal, because of a foul. “I was correct in my call,” he said. “There was no mistake. I called the game by the rules.” He said he will continue as a soccer referee.