Peru Announces National Mourning for Former President Alberto Fujimori
The Peruvian government declared three days of national mourning following the death of former President Alberto Fujimori.
Fujimori, who governed Peru from 1990 to 2000, passed away from cancer at his daughter Keiko Fujimori’s home in Lima on Wednesday, September 11. Despite his convictions for human rights abuses and corruption, the government has granted him a state funeral.
Fujimori’s body was transported to the Ministry of Culture in Lima, where it will lie in state until Saturday. The national mourning period includes lowering flags on public buildings to half-staff. A significant police presence and supporters gathered around the hearse as it made its way through the city.
Fujimori, a former mathematics professor and university president, initially gained prominence by winning the 1990 presidential election. His tenure saw economic reforms and a successful fight against the Shining Path guerrilla group. However, his presidency ended in scandal after a series of corruption revelations. In 2000, Fujimori fled Peru following leaked videotapes that exposed bribery within his administration.
In 2007, Fujimori was extradited from Chile to Peru and subsequently convicted of human rights abuses, including the killings of 25 people by death squads, and corruption. He was sentenced to 25 years in prison but was released on humanitarian grounds in December 2017 due to his declining health.
His death has sparked a divided reaction within Peru. Supporters praised his economic and security achievements, while critics, including victims’ relatives, denounced the government’s decision to honor him given his controversial legacy. Gisela Ortiz, whose family member was among the victims of Fujimori’s regime, criticized the state funeral, highlighting ongoing issues of impunity.
President Dina Boluarte, who assumed office in December 2022, has faced significant political challenges, including numerous attempts by Parliament to remove her.
The Associated Press, Al Jazeera, and BBC contributed to this report.
