Alberto Fujimori, Peru's former president who led the country from 1990 to 2000, has passed away at the age of 86 in Lima. His children announced his death on social media, stating that he had succumbed to cancer after a prolonged battle with the disease.
Fujimori, who was of Japanese descent, became the first person of East Asian heritage to lead a Latin American nation. His presidency was marked by significant economic reforms and anti-terrorism efforts, but also tainted by human rights violations and authoritarian practices.
In December 2023, Fujimori was released from prison on humanitarian grounds, having served 16 years of a 25-year sentence for crimes against humanity. His imprisonment was related to massacres carried out by army death squads in 1991 and 1992, resulting in the deaths of 25 individuals, including a child, during purported anti-terrorist operations.
Fujimori's legacy remains deeply divisive in Peru. While some lauded him for suppressing the Shining Path rebels and implementing economic reforms that combated hyperinflation, others criticized his authoritarian governance style. His administration introduced neoliberal policies known as "Fujishock" and oversaw the construction of over 5,000 schools. However, it was also responsible for a controversial forced sterilization program affecting more than 200,000 people.
Born in Lima on July 28, 1938, Fujimori initially pursued a career in academia, earning a Master's degree in mathematics and working as a university lecturer. His unexpected entry into politics culminated in his 1990 presidential victory over renowned writer Mario Vargas Llosa.
One of the most notable events during Fujimori's presidency was the four-month hostage crisis at the Japanese embassy in Lima, which began in December 1996. The situation was resolved when commandos successfully raided the embassy, rescuing most of the hostages and eliminating the Tupac Amaru guerrillas holding them captive.
Fujimori's downfall began in 2000 amid corruption scandals involving his intelligence chief. He fled to Japan and attempted to resign via fax, but Congress voted to dismiss him and ban him from public office. He was later arrested in Chile and became the first former head of state to be extradited to his home country for trial.
Throughout his imprisonment, Fujimori faced numerous health challenges, including heart problems and cancer. A pardon granted in December 2017 due to his declining health was later annulled by the Supreme Court, resulting in his return to prison in January 2019.
"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 for so much, Dad."
Fujimori's passing marks the end of a contentious chapter in Peruvian history, leaving behind a complex legacy that continues to shape the country's political landscape.