Former Peruvian leader Alberto Fujimori dies at 86
Alberto Fujimori, the former President of Peru who faced convictions for human rights abuses and corruption, has died at the age of 86, according to his daughter.
Fujimori, president from 1990 to 2000, was ousted from office amid corruption scandals. His administration, known for its hardline stance against left-wing guerrilla groups, was also marred by allegations of human rights violations. Supporters commend him for defeating insurgents during a critical time.
After fleeing the country, Fujimori was arrested, extradited, and ultimately convicted of charges including corruption, abuse of power, and involvement in two death squad massacres from the early 1990s.
His daughter, Keiko Fujimori, announced his death on social media, revealing he had been struggling with cancer. Last December, Fujimori was released from Lima’s Barbadillo prison after serving over 15 years of a 25-year sentence, following the reinstatement of a presidential pardon by Peru’s constitutional court.
Following the announcement of his death, Fujimori’s supporters gathered outside his home. In a joint statement, his children—Keiko, Hiro, Sachie, and Kenji—said, “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. Thank you so much, Dad!”
To his supporters, Fujimori was seen as the leader who rescued Peru from the brutal Maoist rebel group, the Shining Path and stabilized the economy after a period of severe inflation. However, for many victims of the conflict, he was viewed as an authoritarian and harsh ruler.
The son of Japanese immigrants, Fujimori’s presidency was marked by dramatic shifts and significant controversies.
He was first elected president in 1990 when the rebel insurgency was at its height.
Two years later, Fujimori closed Congress, accusing lawmakers of preventing him from taking the measures the country needed.
His government managed to defeat the rebel group but at a very high human cost.
His authoritarian government’s crackdown resulted in the deaths of an estimated 69,000 people.
Fujimori was eventually convicted of human rights violations that targeted mainly poor indigenous communities.
Fujimori governed Peru until he was forced from office amid allegations of corruption. He sought asylum in Japan before returning to Chile, where he was arrested.
Today his daughter Keiko is the leader of Peru’s biggest political party.
She lost the last presidential election by a narrow margin and has already announced she will run again in 2026.
