Alberto Fujimori, Peru’s former president who was convicted of human rights violations and corruption, died at the age of 86, according to his daughter.
Fujimori controlled Peru from 1990 to 2000 until being removed from office due to corruption allegations.
His harsh attitude against a left-wing guerrilla insurrection as president sparked claims of human rights violations.
His supporters, however, credit him for defeating the insurgents at a time when they appeared poised to grab control.
He escaped the nation but was later apprehended and extradited, eventually being convicted and imprisoned.
His daughter, Keiko Fujimori, wrote on social media that the former president had died “after a long battle with cancer.”.
Fujimori’s doctor confirmed that he died from “tongue cancer.”.
The former president was convicted on a variety of charges, including corruption, misuse of authority, and being responsible for two death squad massacres in the early 1990s.
Fujimori was released from Lima’s Barbadillo prison in December after serving more than 15 years of a 25-year sentence.
Peru’s constitutional court reinstated a presidential pardon issued six years ago.
Fujimori supporters began swarming outside his house as soon as his daughter announced his death.
“After a long battle with cancer, our father, Alberto Fujimori, has just departed to meet the Lord,” his children, Keiko, Hiro, Sachie, and Kenji, stated in a statement.
“We ask that all who loved him join us in praying for his everlasting rest.
“Thank you for so much, Dad!”
Fujimori’s doctor, Jose Carlos Gutierrez, stated that the former president had been diagnosed with tongue cancer earlier this year and died “of complications from the illness.”.
“The immunological treatment is very good, but it has side effects,” Dr. Gutierrez stated.
“Fujimori experienced respiratory difficulties two days ago as a result of these adverse effects. He began with shortness of breath, so we supplied oxygen. The shortness of breath worsened, and he began to bulge. He finally became unconscious last night. Finally, engineer Fujimori died today at around 18:00 [23:00 GMT].”
However, for thousands of innocent victims of the struggle, Fujimori was an autocratic personality and a cruel leader.
Fujimori, the son of Japanese immigrants, ruled with an iron grip during his turbulent presidency.
He was originally elected president in 1990, when the rebel insurrection was at its peak.
Two years later, Fujimori shut down Congress, accusing members of interfering with his ability to take the necessary actions for the country.
His administration defeated the rebels, but it came at a heavy human cost.
His autocratic government’s crackdown claimed the lives of an estimated 69,000 individuals.
Fujimori was subsequently found guilty of human rights breaches against primarily poor indigenous populations.
Fujimori governed Peru until he was removed from power due to corruption charges. He sought shelter in Japan before returning to Chile, where he was detained.
Today, his daughter Keiko is the leader of Peru’s largest political party.
She lost the previous presidential election by a close margin and has already indicated that she will run again in 2026.
