Former Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori was released from prison on humanitarian grounds, sparking controversy and criticism. Fujimori, who ruled Peru from 1990 to 2000, had been serving a 25-year prison term for human rights abuses committed during his rule. His release came after the country’s highest court reinstated a controversial pardon that was initially granted in 2017.
The decision to release Fujimori has faced backlash from the Inter-American Court of Human Rights and the families of his victims. They argue that Fujimori’s pardon undermines justice and allows him to escape accountability for his actions. Fujimori had spent 16 years in prison after being extradited from Chile in 2007.
Supporters of Fujimori gathered outside the prison to celebrate his release, crediting him with saving Peru from the Shining Path armed group and preventing economic collapse. They believe that his strong leadership and anti-terrorism measures were necessary for stability.
However, critics argue that Fujimori abused his power, committed human rights atrocities, and undermined democracy during his presidency. He was convicted in 2009 for ordering the execution of 25 people. Despite the initial pardon in 2017, lower courts had suspended or annulled it until the recent ruling by the constitutional court.
The president of the Inter-American Court has called for Peru to halt the pardon until further analysis can be conducted. Concerns have been raised about the impartiality of the court’s decision, particularly given Fujimori’s health issues, including respiratory, neurological, and hypertension problems, as well as a history of tongue cancer.
Although the ruling to reinstate the pardon cannot be appealed, Fujimori still faces legal challenges. He has already pleaded guilty to bribing lawmakers and spying on his political rivals during his time in power. Moreover, an investigation is ongoing regarding the forced sterilization of hundreds of thousands of impoverished, predominantly Indigenous women under his administration.
Fujimori’s release has reopened wounds from Peru’s troubled past, with his controversial legacy and divisive rule continuing to divide public opinion. As Peru grapples with the consequences of its turbulent political history, the impact of Fujimori’s release is likely to be strongly felt in the years to come.
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