Former Peruvian President Fujimori Released from Prison After Constitutional Court Ruling
In a surprising turn of events, former Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori has been released from prison following a ruling by the Constitutional Court in his favor. This decision has sparked a wave of controversy and faced criticism from international bodies advocating for human rights.
Fujimori emerged from prison wearing a face mask and receiving supplemental oxygen, accompanied by his son and daughter, along with his daughter-in-law who drove the vehicle. Supporters gathered outside the prison to welcome him back, swarming the vehicle as it made its way through the neighborhood.
Following his release, Fujimori is expected to live at his daughter’s house, where he will continue to serve his remaining sentence. The Constitutional Court’s ruling was based on the humanitarian pardon granted to Fujimori in 2017, as well as the violation of his fundamental right to freedom after the pardon was overturned by the Supreme Court in 2018.
However, the release of Fujimori has not been without controversy. The president of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights requested a delay in his release to ensure access to justice for the victims of the massacres for which Fujimori was convicted. The accusations against him include plotting two massacres in 1991 and 1992, where residents were fatally shot and students were kidnapped, tortured, and killed.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has criticized Fujimori’s release, calling it a setback and emphasizing the importance of abiding by international law. Fujimori remains a polarizing figure in Peru due to his economic policies, as well as his use of military force to dissolve Congress and crack down on guerrilla violence.
Fujimori’s political career came to an end when leaked videotapes showed his involvement in bribery, leading to his resignation and subsequent exile. However, he was later extradited to Peru and put on trial for his crimes.
The release of Fujimori has reignited debates about the justice system and the appropriate punishment for those convicted of human rights abuses. As the news continues to unfold, both domestic and international voices will undoubtedly weigh in on this controversial decision.
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