Former Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori Dies at 86
Alberto Fujimori, the former President of Peru, has passed away at the age of 86 from cancer, CNN reports.
His life and political career were marked by a stark contrast: a period of economic prosperity during his presidency followed by a long descent into scandal and legal battles.
Fujimori rose to power in 1990, promising to combat Peru’s economic crisis and violent insurgency. His “Fujishock” economic reforms, while controversial, brought economic stability and growth to the country. However, his administration was also marred by accusations of human rights abuses, corruption, and authoritarianism.
His use of security forces to suppress opponents, as well as the “La Cantuta” and “Barrio Alto” massacres, tarnished his legacy. His wife, Susana Higuchi, publicly denounced him for corruption, fueling a scandal that further eroded his public image. Despite these controversies, many Peruvians supported Fujimori’s strong leadership during a turbulent period.
In 2000, Fujimori’s rule crumbled after videos surfaced showing his intelligence chief, Vladimiro Montesinos, bribing opposition politicians. This led to Fujimori’s resignation and subsequent arrest in Chile, where he was later extradited to Peru to face charges of human rights abuses and corruption.
Fujimori was convicted in multiple trials, including a 25-year prison sentence for authorizing a death squad responsible for killing civilians. He was also found guilty of corruption, illegal wiretapping, and bribery.
Although he received a medical pardon in 2017, it was overturned, and he was returned to prison in 2019. His death comes as Peru continues to grapple with the legacy of his complex rule, a period marked by both economic progress and egregious human rights violations.
