LIMA—Former Peruvian president Alberto Fujimori, who led economic growth in the 1990s but was later imprisoned for human rights abuses related to a violent conflict with Maoist rebels, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 86.
His daughter Keiko Fujimori announced his passing after a long battle with cancer, stating that he had “departed to meet the Lord.”
Fujimori, the son of Japanese immigrants, rose to power in 1990 from a humble background as the chancellor of a farming university. He implemented economic reforms that stabilized Peru’s economy, reducing hyperinflation, privatizing state-run companies, and fostering trade.
During his tenure, he successfully captured Abimael Guzman, the leader of the Maoist Shining Path, dealing a significant blow to the rebel movement.
Despite his economic successes, Fujimori faced criticism for his authoritarian tactics, including dissolving Congress with military force in 1992. His administration was marred by corruption scandals, leading to public backlash.
Following his controversial third election win and subsequent exile in Japan amidst a bribery scandal involving his advisor Vladimiro Montesinos, Fujimori attempted a political comeback in Peru but was arrested in Chile in 2005. He was extradited to Peru in 2007 and sentenced to 25 years in prison in 2009.
