THEY ORDER THE RELEASE OF ALBERTO FUJIMORI

On December 5, 2023, the Constitutional Court of Peru ordered the immediate release of former President Alberto Fujimori, who was serving a 25-year prison sentence for crimes against humanity and corruption. The TC's decision generated great controversy in the country, dividing public opinion and the political class.

To understand the context of this decision, it is necessary to go back to the 1990s, when Fujimori governed Peru. During his term, Fujimori established an authoritarian regime that repressed the opposition and violated human rights. In particular, Fujimori was responsible for the massacre of Barrios Altos and La Cantuta, in which 25 people were murdered, including students and teachers.

In 2009, Fujimori was convicted of these crimes and sentenced to 25 years in prison. However, in 2017, the TC annulled the conviction for the Barrios Altos massacre, alleging that the judicial process had not been fair. In 2021, the TC also annulled the conviction for the La Cantuta massacre, arguing that there was not enough evidence to convict Fujimori.

The TC's decision to release Fujimori was criticized by human rights organizations, which denounced that it was a "slap in the face to the victims of political violence." It was also criticized by the political opposition, which accused the TC of being politicized and favoring Fujimori.

However, the TC's decision was also supported by some sectors of the population, who consider that Fujimori has already paid his debt to society. These sectors maintain that Fujimori was a good president who led Peru out of an economic and political crisis.

Fujimori's release has generated great polarization in Peruvian society. The country is divided between those who support the decision of the TC and those who reject it. This polarization could have a negative impact on the political and social stability of the country.

Political and social impact of Fujimori's release

Fujimori's release has a significant political and social impact in Peru. In the political sphere, the TC's decision strengthens the position of the Fuerza Popular party, led by Fujimori's daughter, Keiko Fujimori. Keiko Fujimori is the leading candidate for the 2026 presidential election, and the release of her father could give her campaign a boost.

In the social sphere, Fujimori's release generates a climate of tension and polarization. Fujimori's supporters celebrate his freedom, while opponents consider it an injustice. This polarization could make dialogue and consensus on the most important issues for the country difficult.

Possible future scenarios

Fujimori's release could have several future scenarios. A possible scenario is that Fujimori retires from public life and lives out his last years in peace. However, it is also possible that Fujimori continues to be an active political figure. In this case, he could influence the presidential campaign of his daughter Keiko Fujimori, or he could even run for president himself.

Another possibility is that Fujimori's release will generate a negative reaction in the international community. The European Union and the United States have expressed their concern about the TC's decision. It is possible that these organizations will take measures against Peru, such as suspending economic aid.

In short, the release of Alberto Fujimori is an event of great importance for Peru. The TC's decision has a significant political and social impact, and could have several future scenarios.