Alberto Fujimori, former president of Peru who governed the nation from 1990 to 2000, has passed away at the age of 86. Fujimori, who had been battling cancer, died on September 11, 2024, at his home in Lima, Peru. He was released from prison in December 2023 under a humanitarian pardon after serving 16 years of a 25-year sentence for crimes against humanity.
Fujimori’s leadership was marked by his hardline approach in Peru’s war on terrorism, particularly against Shining Path and Tupac Amaru leftist rebels. The conflict resulted in over 69,000 deaths and 21,000 missing, primarily civilians, as reported by a government truth commission.
After his release, Fujimori was undergoing treatment for tongue cancer, which his family said had weakened his health significantly.
“After a long battle with cancer, our father, Alberto Fujimori, has just departed to meet the Lord,” his children Keiko, Hiro, Sachie, and Kenji Fujimori shared on the social media platform X. His wake will be held at the National Museum on Thursday, and his burial is set for Saturday.
The Peruvian government has declared three days of national mourning to honor Fujimori, with Prime Minister Gustavo Adrianzen expressing condolences to his family: “We want his children and relatives to know we feel sorrow.”
Fujimori’s legacy is deeply polarized among Peruvians. Some remember him as a strong leader who stabilized the economy and fought terrorism, while others criticize his authoritarian methods and human rights abuses.
After his death, supporters gathered outside his home, chanting, “El chino did not die! El chino is present!” referring to Fujimori’s nickname.
During his presidency, one of the most notable events was the hostage crisis at the Japanese embassy in Lima, where Fujimori sent commandos to rescue hostages held by rebels, which ended with the death of all 14 captors.
Japan’s top government spokesman, Yoshimasa Hayashi, acknowledged Fujimori’s efforts but also noted the mixed evaluations of his tenure due to his human rights violations.
Fujimori was arrested and convicted in 2009 for his role in army death squad massacres, which included the deaths of 25 people. Although he was pardoned in 2017, the decision was later reversed, and he was returned to prison until his final release on humanitarian grounds in 2023.
