Peru court again blocks ex-President Fujimori’s pardon
A Peruvian court has once again blocked a pardon for ex-President Alberto Fujimori, ruling that the former leader must remain imprisoned. This marks the third time the country’s judicial system has rejected his release. Fujimori, who is now 85 years old, is serving a 25-year sentence for human rights abuses and corruption.
Earlier this week, Peru’s top constitutional court had ruled to restore Fujimori’s pardon, leading to international concern. The Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACHR) urged Peru’s government not to free him, citing the gravity of his crimes.
Fujimori, who held power during the 1990s, was initially granted a presidential pardon in 2017. However, pressure from the IACHR has repeatedly hindered his attempts to regain his freedom. Elio Riera, Fujimori’s lawyer, confirmed that his legal team is exploring all possible avenues to have the pardon reinstated.
The former president was convicted of ordering the massacre of 25 people between 1991 and 1992, while his government was combating the Shining Path guerrillas. Fujimori made headlines when he dissolved Congress in 1992 and remained in power for almost a decade.
The current government, led by President Dina Boluarte, initially announced its compliance with Fujimori’s pardon. President Boluarte took office late last year after her predecessor, Pedro Castillo, attempted to dissolve Congress. Notably, both Fujimori and Castillo are now imprisoned in the same facility, along with former President Alejandro Toledo, who faces allegations of bribery involving millions of dollars from Brazilian construction company Odebrecht.
While Fujimori’s legal team persists in fighting for his release, the recent court ruling keeps him behind bars. As the country grapples with political and legal challenges, the fate of Peru’s former leader remains uncertain.
(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
