Alberto Fujimori, the former leader of Peru who was imprisoned for human rights abuses, has died at the age of 86. Fujimori, who ruled Peru from 1990 to 2000, was a controversial figure known for his tough stance on crime and terrorism.
Fujimori was born in Peru to Japanese immigrants and rose to power as a populist outsider. He quickly gained popularity for his efforts to combat terrorism and restore order to the country, which was plagued by violence and economic turmoil at the time.
However, Fujimori’s presidency was marred by allegations of corruption and human rights abuses. In 1992, he staged a self-coup, dissolving Congress and suspending the constitution in order to consolidate his power. He also waged a brutal campaign against the Shining Path guerrilla group, which was responsible for numerous acts of violence in Peru.
In 2000, Fujimori fled to Japan amid a corruption scandal and resigned from office via fax. He remained in exile for several years before being extradited to Peru in 2007 to face charges of human rights abuses and corruption. In 2009, he was convicted of ordering the killings of 25 people by a government-backed death squad and sentenced to 25 years in prison.
Despite his controversial legacy, Fujimori still had a significant following in Peru, with many supporters crediting him with bringing stability and economic growth to the country. However, his critics argue that his authoritarian methods and disregard for human rights have had a lasting impact on Peru’s democracy.
Fujimori’s death marks the end of a tumultuous chapter in Peru’s history. While some may mourn his passing, others will continue to remember him as a dictator who violated the rights of his own people in the name of security and order.
