Lima, Peru — Alberto Fujimori, the controversial former president of Peru, has died at the age of 86. Fujimori passed away on September 15, 2024, in Lima due to complications from a long-standing illness.
Fujimori, who served as Peru’s president from 1990 to 2000, was a polarizing figure in Latin American politics. His presidency was marked by significant economic reforms and a successful campaign against the Shining Path insurgency, which garnered him considerable support among many Peruvians. However, his tenure was also marred by allegations of human rights abuses and corruption, leading to his dramatic fall from grace and subsequent exile.
Born on July 28, 1938, in Lima, Fujimori was the son of Japanese immigrants. He initially pursued an academic career in mathematics before entering politics. His rise to power was meteoric; he was elected president in 1990 as a political outsider, but he quickly implemented free-market policies that transformed Peru’s economy. His administration was credited with stabilizing the economy and reducing inflation, but it also faced criticism for its authoritarian practices and alleged corruption.
In 2000, amid a growing corruption scandal, Fujimori fled to Japan, where he remained in exile for several years. In 2005, he was arrested in Chile and subsequently extradited to Peru, where he faced charges related to human rights violations and corruption. Fujimori was convicted and sentenced to a lengthy prison term, although he was later released on medical grounds.
Fujimori’s death has elicited a range of reactions. Supporters remember him for his role in stabilizing Peru’s economy and combating terrorism. Critics, however, highlight his controversial methods and the impact of his presidency on democratic institutions in Peru.
Fujimori is survived by his children, including Keiko Fujimori, who has been a prominent political figure in Peru and a former presidential candidate. His death marks the end of a significant and controversial chapter in Peru’s modern history.
As the nation reflects on his legacy, Alberto Fujimori’s impact on Peru’s political and economic landscape will undoubtedly continue to be a topic of debate for years to come.
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