Alberto Fujimori, the former president of Peru, passed away at the age of 86 after a protracted battle with cancer

Alberto Fujimori, the former president of Peru who was convicted of corruption and human rights violations, has passed away at the age of 86 after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Alberto Fujimori, the former president of Peru who was convicted of corruption and human rights violations, has passed away at the age of 86.

The news was confirmed by his daughter, Keiko Fujimori, on social media, who stated that her father passed away “after a long battle with cancer.”

Fujimori served as the president of Peru from 1990 to 2000, but he was removed from office due to allegations of pervasive corruption. Both his hardline posture against left-wing guerrilla insurgents and his serious human rights violations are enduring legacies of his presidency.

Nevertheless, a significant number of his supporters attribute his success in overcoming the Shining Path, a Maoist insurgent group that posed a threat to the country’s stability, to his ability to restore it.

He fled Peru but was subsequently apprehended and extradited, resulting in his conviction for a variety of offenses, such as corruption, abuse of power, and involvement in two death squad atrocities that occurred in the early 1990s.

Fujimori was sentenced to 25 years in prison; however, he was released last year after the constitutional court of Peru reinstated a presidential pardon that had been granted six years prior.

The news of his death was soon disseminated, and supporters began to congregate outside his residence.

Keiko, Hiro, Sachie, and Kenji, his children, expressed their sorrow in a joint statement, stating, “Our father, Alberto Fujimori, has just departed to meet the Lord after a long battle with cancer.” We implore those who held him in high regard to join us in praying for the eternal repose of his soul.

The former president’s physician, Dr. Jose Carlos Gutierrez, verified that Fujimori had been afflicted with tongue cancer and had passed away as a result of complications associated with the disease. “He experienced breathing difficulties two days ago, and the shortness of breath has deteriorated.” Dr. Gutierrez stated that Fujimori passed away at approximately 18:00 [23:00 GMT] despite efforts to assist him.

Alberto Fujimori’s legacy continues to be a source of significant controversy. He was the leader who rescued Peru from economic devastation and defeated the Shining Path insurgency, according to certain individuals. Nevertheless, for a significant number of individuals, he is regarded as an authoritarian figure whose actions led to a pervasive violation of human rights, particularly against impoverished indigenous communities. 69,000 lives were estimated to have been lost as a result of his government’s actions during the conflict.

Fujimori’s presidency was characterized by dramatic moments, such as his decision to dissolve Congress in 1992, in which he accused legislators of obstructing essential reforms. Fujimori was born to Japanese immigrants. He governed with an iron fist until he was compelled to resign from office due to corruption and fled to Japan. He was subsequently apprehended in Chile and extradited to Peru.

His daughter, Keiko Fujimori, is a prominent political figure and the leader of Peru’s largest political party. She has already declared her intention to compete for president again in 2026, despite her narrow defeat in the most recent election.