Lima, Peru—The controversial legacy of former Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori re-emerged this week following his death at age 86.
Fujimori, who ruled Peru from 1990 to 2000, initially gained widespread support for stabilizing the economy and combating the Shining Path insurgency.
As his presidency progressed, Fujimori shifted toward autocratic governance, leading to human rights abuses and corruption scandals. He was convicted of corruption and responsibility for the murder of 25 people by death squad. His conviction marked a significant moment in Peru’s transitional justice process, as it became the first country in the world to hold a former head of state accountable for human rights violations.
Despite his convictions, Fujimori was pardoned in December 2017 due to health concerns related to his cancer diagnosis, sparking controversy among victims and human rights organizations. The pardon has been viewed by many as a setback for justice and accountability in the region.
Fujimori’s legacy remains deeply polarizing. Some credit him with restoring stability and defeating insurgencies, while others focus on the human rights abuses that marked the latter years of his rule.
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