Peru's Fujimori Goes Back to Trial for Death Squad Killings

Corruption is Everywhere - Certainly in Peru

By Sommer Brokaw  

Riot police officers blocked the passage of protesters during a demonstration against the pardon to ex-president

Alberto Fujimori, in Lima, Peru in December. File Photo by Eduardo Cavero/EPA-EFE

UPI -- Former Peru President Alberto Fujimori, age 79, will go back to trial on charges related to death squad killings in 1992.

A court ruled Monday that Fujimori could be tried despite a medical pardon months ago.

At issue is the death squad killings of six farmers in Pativilca, a central town in Peru, in January of 1992. Fujimori is now charged with authorizing the kidnapping, torture and killings of the six farmers.

Fujimori had been serving a 25-year prison sentence since 2014 for human rights abuses before a medical pardon was granted in December. These abuses involved authorizing the six farmers' killings as part of a larger conflict with left-wing rebels. Nearly 70,000 people died in the conflict.

President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski granted the pardon in December, sparking two nights of protests in Lima. Kuczynski cited "low blood pressure and an irregular heartbeat" in his decision.

Seriously, I've had that all my life! Kuczynski, himself, has been accused of corruption being named in Brazil's Odebrecht scandal. He has refused to step down.

Another Peruvian ex-president Alejandro Toledo (2001-2006) has also been implicated in corruption. It's almost like a requirement for the job!

Amnesty International praised the court's latest ruling.

"The decision not to apply the grace granted by President Kuczynski to Alberto Fujimori constitutes an important advance in the fight against impunity for the crimes that occurred in Pativilca, and reinforces the obligation of the Peruvian state to guarantee the right of victims to truth, justice and reparation," the statement from Amnesty International reads.

Pativilca, Peru

Thousands Protest in Peru After 'Grateful' Ex-President Pardoned

Corruption is Everywhere - Including Peru

By Susan McFarland  

Riot police officers block passage of protesters during a demonstration against the pardon to ex-president Alberto Fujimori, in Lima, Peru on Monday. Photo by Eduardo Cavero/EPA-EFE

UPI -- Police in Peru fired tear gas at crowds of angry Peruvians during a protest over President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski's decision to pardon and release former President Alberto Fujimori from prison.

Crowds chanted, "traitor" and, "the pardon has got to go" during the clash on the streets of Lima.

Fujimori, who'd been serving a 25-year sentence for human rights abuses, was released Sunday for health reasons. He was Peru's leader from 1990 to 2000.

From his hospital bed, Fujimori thanked Kuczynski and said in a Facebook video he was "deeply grateful." He added that hearing the news had "a strong impact on me, a mix of extreme happiness as well as sorrow".

"I'm aware that the results produced by my government were well received by some," Fujimori said. "But I recognize that I have let down others. Those I ask for forgiveness from the bottom of my heart."

Fujimori's term began in 2007 with a six-year sentence for bribery and abuse of power. Two years into that sentence, Fujimori was given another 25 years for human rights abuses that included authorizing death squad killings.

Kuczynski said reason for clemency was because Fujimori has low blood pressure and an irregular heartbeat. A statement by Kuczynski said he is "convinced that those of us who consider ourselves democrats cannot allow Alberto Fujimori to die in prison."

"Justice is not vengeance. All pardons are by nature controversial," he added. "My decision is especially complex and difficult, but it is my decision. I can not only be the president of those that voted for me, I need to be it for all Peruvians."

Kuczynski denies pardoning Fujimori is part of a deal with his party to distract from a corruption probe involving Brazil-based conglomerate Odebrecht.

Peruvian lawmakers Vicente Zeballos, Alberto de Belaunde and Gino Costa all said they plan to resign in protest of the presidential pardon.