Former Peruvian leader Alberto Fujimori dies at 86
Former Peruvian leader Alberto Fujimori dies at 86
The Facts
Peru's former president Alberto Fujimori died Wednesday, September 11, at 86. He led the 1990s economic boom as president, defeating the Shining Path, a Maoist guerilla that had destabilized the country, before corruption forced him out of government and led to his conviction for human rights violations.
Despite heavy criticism for his autocratic rule in 2000, voters re-elected Fujimori to a third term. After temporarily shutting down Congress and the courts, Fujimori fled the country to avoid a corruption investigation.A pivotal moment of Fujimori's presidency was the 1996/97 hostage crisis when Marxist rebels from the Tupac Amaru Revolutionary Movement (MRTA) took 72 people hostage at the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima. Following a four-month stalemate, Fujimori sent in commandos to attack the building, saving most captives and killing all 14 insurgents.
The Spin
Alberto Fujimori ruled Peru with iron fists for a decade, giving the military free hands to eliminate the Marxist insurgency. His administration was responsible for thousands of extrajudicial executions, forced disappearances, and torture. Additionally, the Fujimori regime sterilized thousands of indigenous women because the government considered them an obstacle to overall progress. Peru is better off without his divided leadership.
For many Peruvians, former President Alberto Fujimori was seen as a true leader. He saved the country from hyperinflation and stabilized the economy after more than a decade of crisis. Perhaps more importantly, he eradicated the Marxist rebels who were responsible for the deaths of thousands of people. Eliminating the insurgence came at a heavy toll, but it was worth it.
