Peruvian Ex-President Fujimori Waves Goodbye to Prison Cells
The moment has finally arrived for the controversial figure. He was greeted by his children, Keiko and Kenji, who have long advocated for his freedom. A supporter, who had camped out in front of the prison for his release, excitedly expressed to the AFP news agency, "Our hearts are overflowing with joy because this man has been unjustly incarcerated."
In a significant turn of events, the Peruvian Constitutional Court confirmed a pardon granted to Fujimori by former President Pablo Kuczynski in 2017. This decision was initially revoked in 2018 following a wave of protests; however, the court reinstated it in 2022.
Fujimori ruled Peru with an iron fist from 1990 to 2000, and in 2007, a court sentenced him to 25 years in prison for human rights atrocities. His regime oversaw massacres carried out by death squads, primarily targeting the Shining Path guerrilla group in the 1990s.
The aging Fujimori has fought numerous health issues, including breathing difficulties, neurological problems, and high blood pressure, frequently requiring hospital transfers from prison.
Key Contextual Factors
Controversial Pardon and Reinstatement
- Fujimori received a controversial medical pardon from Kuczynski in December 2017, which was challenged and eventually overturned in 2018.
- The pardon was reinstated by the Constitutional Court in 2022, but the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACHR) intervened, delaying Fujimori's release until December 2023.
Legal Considerations
- Fujimor was convicted of ordering military death squads to carry out killings and kidnappings, among other transgressions, resulting in a hefty sentence.
- He also served sentences for embezzlement and bribery during the same period.
- Critics argue that the Peruvian Congress's passing of a bill setting a time limit for crimes against humanity committed prior to July 1, 2002, infringes upon victims' right to seek justice.
Political Fallouts and Popular Reactions
- Supporters argue that the pardon and release efforts were driven by political machinations, including Fujimori's son, Kenji.
- The decision to release him sparked demonstrations and ultimately led to resignations from Kuczynski's political party.
February 1, 2024, marked the day when Fujimori walked out of prison, leaving behind uncertainty about his future liability under Peruvian laws.
