THE RELEASE OF FUJIMORI IN PERU IS BEING STUDIED: WHAT IS KNOWN ABOUT THIS

The release of Alberto Fujimori, former president of Peru convicted of crimes against humanity, is a complex and controversial issue that has been in the Peruvian public debate for years.

Fujimori was sentenced to 25 years in prison in 2009 for his responsibility in the Barrios Altos and La Cantuta massacres, in which 25 people were murdered, including children and students. In 2017, the former president was pardoned by then-president Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, but in 2022 the Supreme Court revoked the pardon, ordering Fujimori's return to prison.

In November 2023, Peru's Constitutional Court issued a resolution opening the possibility for Fujimori to be released, based on an interpretation of the Peruvian Constitution that establishes that humanitarian pardons can be granted even to those convicted of serious crimes.

The reasons why Fujimori's release is being studied

There are several reasons why Fujimori's release is being studied. First, the former president is 83 years old and suffers from a number of chronic illnesses, which has led some to argue that his health is at risk.

Secondly, Fujimori has significant popular support, especially among the most conservative sectors of Peruvian society. This support is due in part to Fujimori being a popular president during his first term (1990-2000), in which he managed to reduce inflation and crime in Peru.

Thirdly, the Constitutional Court of Peru is an independent body that has the final say in matters of interpretation of the Constitution. The resolution issued by the Constitutional Court in November 2023 opens the possibility for Fujimori to be released, but does not guarantee that the release will take place.

The arguments for and against the release of Fujimori

The arguments in favor of Fujimori's release are based on his age and health. Release advocates argue that Fujimori poses no danger to society, and that releasing him would be an act of compassion.

The arguments against Fujimori's release are based on his conviction for crimes against humanity. Opponents of the release argue that Fujimori should serve his sentence for the crimes he committed.

The future of Fujimori's liberation

The future of Fujimori's release is uncertain. The Constitutional Court has issued a resolution that opens the possibility for Fujimori to be released, but this resolution is not final.

If Fujimori is released, his case could be challenged before the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACHR), which has already condemned Peru for violating the human rights of the victims of the Barrios Altos and La Cantuta massacres.

Fujimori's release would have a significant impact on Peruvian politics. The release of a former president convicted of crimes against humanity would be a message of impunity that could affect the fight against corruption and impunity in the country.