Alberto Fujimori, the former president of Peru convicted of human rights abuses and corruption, has died at the age of 86.
His daughter, Keiko Fujimori, confirmed the news on social media, stating that her father passed away “after a long battle with cancer.”
Fujimori governed Peru from 1990 to 2000 before being ousted amid widespread corruption allegations. His presidency is remembered for both his hardline stance against left-wing guerrilla insurgents and serious human rights violations.
Despite this, many of his supporters credit him with restoring stability in the country by defeating the Shining Path, a Maoist rebel group that threatened to seize power.
He fled Peru but was later arrested and extradited, leading to his conviction for multiple charges, including corruption, abuse of power, and involvement in two death squad massacres during the early 1990s.
Fujimori was sentenced to 25 years in prison but was released last year after Peru’s constitutional court reinstated a presidential pardon granted six years earlier.
News of his death quickly spread, and supporters began gathering outside his residence.
In a joint statement, his children—Keiko, Hiro, Sachie, and Kenji—expressed their grief, saying, “After a long battle with cancer, our father, Alberto Fujimori, has just departed to meet the Lord. We ask those who loved him to join us in praying for the eternal rest of his soul.”
Dr. Jose Carlos Gutierrez, Fujimori’s physician, confirmed that the former president had been suffering from tongue cancer and had died from complications related to the illness. “He had breathing problems two days ago, and the shortness of breath got worse. Despite efforts to help him, Fujimori passed away around 18:00 [23:00 GMT],” said Dr. Gutierrez.
Alberto Fujimori’s legacy remains deeply divisive. For some, he was the leader who saved Peru from economic ruin and defeated the Shining Path insurgency. However, for many, he is remembered as an authoritarian figure whose crackdown resulted in widespread human rights abuses, particularly against poor indigenous communities. His government’s actions during the conflict claimed an estimated 69,000 lives.
Born to Japanese immigrants, Fujimori’s presidency was marked by dramatic moments, including his decision in 1992 to dissolve Congress, accusing lawmakers of blocking necessary reforms. He ruled with an iron fist until he was forced out of office under a cloud of corruption and fled to Japan. He was later arrested in Chile and extradited back to Peru.
Keiko Fujimori, his daughter, is a prominent political figure and leader of Peru’s largest political party. Despite narrowly losing the last presidential election, she has already announced her intention to run again in 2026.
Chioma Kalu
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