Peru: Release of ex-president Alberto Fujimori convicted of crimes against humanity
After a decision by the Constitutional Court, the former Peruvian president was released from prison on Wednesday 6 December. He was sentenced to 25 years in prison in 2009 for corruption and crimes against humanity, and found responsible for the massacre of 25 people by an army commando during the internal conflict from 1980 to 2000.
Alberto Fujimori with his daughter Keiko and son Kenji, upon his release from prison, Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023. via REUTERS - COURTESY ELIO RIERA
By: RFI Follow
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With our correspondent in Lima, Juliette Chaignon
The former Peruvian president will have served only two-thirds of his sentence. Alberto Fujimori, 85, was released from Barbadillo prison near Lima on Wednesday, December 6. In front of the door, his son Kenji and daughter Keiko, accompanied by deputies from the Fujimorist Fuerza Popular party. A few dozen supporters, dressed in red and white, the colors of Peru, were also present near the prison.
A decision by Peru's Constitutional Court on Tuesday (5 December) reinstating a pardon granted in 2017 and revoked two years later by the Supreme Court freed Alberto Fujimori. A decision approved by the government of Dina Boluarte. However, it goes against two resolutions of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, which describes this release as an "open contempt" of the body.
Indignation
The Constitutional Court had already ordered the release of Alberto Fujimori in March 2022, but the Inter-American Court of Human Rights had asked the state to "refrain from executing" this decision. The country, then led by leftist President Pedro Castillo, complied.
This lack of compliance with international standards is a concern for human rights organizations. They say they are outraged, as are the victims' families and several feminist associations.
In the wake of his release, local media reported that the prosecution was seeking house arrest for a year and a half for Alberto Fujimori, who is accused of another case of extrajudicial executions.
Read alsoPeru: President Boluarte targeted by a complaint to Congress for the death of demonstrators
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