Former Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori dies at 86

Alberto Fujimori, the controversial former president of Peru of Japanese descent who ruled with an iron fist, died on Wednesday evening at the home of his daughter Keiko, 10 months after he was granted a humanitarian pardon. He was 86. “After a long battle with cancer, our father Alberto Fujimori has just passed away to meet God,” Keiko said in ten“We ask those who loved him to join us in praying that his soul rest in peace. Thank you so much, Dad.” She also added the names of his other three children: Hiro, Sachie and Kenji.

Alberto Fujimori: A controversial figure

Fujimori, the son of Japanese immigrants, was born in Lima, Peru, on July 26, 1938. He claimed he was born on July 28, the day the country gained independence from Spain. But during a court hearing, he confirmed it was an earlier date. There is also some dispute about his birthplace, with news magazine make faces In 1997, he claimed that he was born in Kawachi, Kumamoto Prefecture, his father’s hometown. This was a highly controversial issue because if the story was true, he would not be eligible to be president. It was later found to be false.

Fujimori ruled Peru between 1990 and 2000. A former TV host, he is one of the most controversial figures in Peruvian history. While in office, he is credited with helping Peru recover from the brink of economic collapse following soaring inflation. He also defeated the Maoist Shining Path movement, a brutal terrorist group. While he is seen as a hero by his supporters, many consider him a corrupt tyrant responsible for the deaths of tens of thousands of people. He was also accused Targeting poor indigenous communities.

Fujimori was re-elected president for a third time in 2000 but was fired later that year. His intelligence chief, Vladimir Montesinos, A leaked video showed Fujimori bribing an opposition lawmaker. After more corruption footage came to light, Fujimori sent a fax during a trip to Japan announcing his resignation. Congress removed him from his post and labeled him a “Morally unsuitable” arrive After facing charges of corruption and human rights violations in Peru, he fled to Japan. In 2005, he was arrested during a visit to Chile.

Fujimori’s sentencing and release

Two years later, Fujimori was sentenced to six years in prison. In 2009, he was sentenced to 25 years in prison for his role in kidnappings and murders by Grupo Colina death squads in the 1990s. Over the years, Fujimori has had various health problems, including coronary heart disease and gastrointestinal issues. Former Peruvian President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski then granted him a medical pardon in 2017. However, following violent protests and criticism from human rights groups, the pardon was overturned and Fujimori was jailed again. He was released from Barbadillo Prison in Lima in December last year. His daughter Keiko Unsuccessful She has run for president three times. She plans to run again in 2026.

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