Alberto Fujimori, authoritarian former president of Peru, dies aged 86

Alberto Fujimori, the former president of Peru known for his authoritarian rule and controversial legacy, passed away at the age of 86 on September 11, 2024. His death marks the end of a complex and contentious chapter in Peruvian history, characterized by both significant achievements and serious human rights violations.

Fujimori was born on July 28, 1938, in Lima, Peru, to Japanese immigrant parents. He pursued a career in academia before entering politics, eventually serving as the rector of the National Agrarian University in Lima. In 1990, he emerged as a political outsider to win the presidency, defeating the renowned writer Mario Vargas Llosa. His victory was largely attributed to his populist rhetoric and promises to address Peru's dire economic situation, which was plagued by hyperinflation and a violent insurgency led by the Shining Path guerrilla movement.

During his presidency from 1990 to 2000, Fujimori implemented drastic neoliberal economic reforms aimed at stabilizing the economy. These measures included the privatization of state-owned enterprises and the deregulation of industries, which helped curb hyperinflation and attract foreign investment. His administration also launched a fierce campaign against the Shining Path and the Tupac Amaru Revolutionary Movement, significantly reducing their influence and restoring a degree of order to the country.

Despite these successes, Fujimori's tenure was marred by authoritarian practices and human rights abuses. In 1992, he orchestrated a self-coup, dissolving Congress and assuming extraordinary powers. His government was implicated in numerous human rights violations, including forced sterilizations and the operation of death squads responsible for extrajudicial killings. These actions eventually led to his downfall, as corruption scandals and allegations of crimes against humanity forced him to flee to Japan in 2000.

Fujimori's legal troubles continued after his presidency. In 2005, he was arrested in Chile and extradited to Peru, where he faced multiple trials. He was convicted of human rights abuses, including his involvement in the killings of 25 people by military death squads, and sentenced to 25 years in prison. Despite his imprisonment, Fujimori remained a polarizing figure in Peruvian politics, with a significant portion of the population viewing his leadership favorably due to the economic stability and security he brought to the country.

In December 2023, Fujimori was granted a controversial humanitarian pardon, allowing him to spend his final months outside of prison. This decision was met with criticism from human rights organizations and was contested by the Inter-American Court of Human Rights. His release reignited debates about his legacy, with supporters and critics alike reflecting on the impact of his leadership on Peru's trajectory.

Fujimori's death was announced by his daughter, Keiko Fujimori, who has been a prominent political figure in her own right, having run for the presidency multiple times. His passing has prompted a reevaluation of his complex legacy, which continues to influence Peruvian politics. While some remember him as a decisive leader who rescued Peru from economic chaos and insurgency, others criticize his authoritarian methods and the human rights violations committed under his regime.

As Peru reflects on Fujimori's life and career, his legacy remains a subject of intense debate and analysis. His presidency exemplifies the profound impacts of political leadership on a nation's history, highlighting the delicate balance between achieving stability and upholding democratic principles and human rights.