Fujimori's death divides Peru: From dictatorship to prison, controversy persists

The death of former Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori on 11 September has divided the nation, prompting a mix of mourning and celebration.

Fujimori was, after all a controversial figure in Peru, a country he led from 1990 to 2000 and then fled before being extradited back from Chile and serving time in prison for bribery and ordering the murder of 25 people, reports The Conversation.

His death has reignited debates over his legacy and the darker chapters of his decade-long rule.

Fujimori passed away at 86 after battling cancer, leaving behind a legacy that is as controversial in death as it was in life.

While his supporters remember him as the leader who saved Peru from economic collapse and defeated the violent Shining Path insurgency, others rejoiced at his death, citing his authoritarian rule and conviction for serious human rights abuses, including murder and corruption.

Fujimori fled Peru in 2000 amid a corruption scandal, only to be extradited from Chile in 2007. In 2009, he was sentenced to 25 years in prison for bribery and ordering the murder of 25 people during his presidency.

Despite his conviction, Fujimori retained a loyal following, and his supporters successfully lobbied for two presidential pardons, sparking protests among those who believed he should remain behind bars for life.

Mixed responses to his passing

Upon his death, the Peruvian government declared three days of national mourning, with flags flown at half-mast and Congress suspended. Politicians, relatives, and loyalists expressed condolences, highlighting his efforts to stabilize Peru during times of turmoil. A wake was scheduled at the Ministry of Culture to honour the former leader.

However, the news of Fujimori's death was met with celebration by many who remember the brutal tactics of his regime.

As reported by The Conversation, Fujimori's tenure was marked by numerous human rights violations, including the Barrios Altos massacre and the forced disappearance of students from La Cantuta University. His administration's crackdown on dissent and civil liberties made him a divisive figure even decades after he left office.

Human rights abuses continue to haunt his legacy

One of the most significant stains on Fujimori's legacy is the forced sterilization of thousands of Indigenous women, a campaign his government presented as a family planning initiative. Investigations into these abuses were still ongoing at the time of his death, with a case pending at the Inter-American Court of Human Rights.

Victims' rights groups, like DEMUS, a Peruvian women's rights organization, vowed to continue their fight for justice despite his passing. Maria Ysbel Cedano of DEMUS remarked that Fujimori's death would not mark the end of their pursuit for truth, justice, and reparations, as other government officials complicit in these crimes remain alive.

Revival of Fujimorism and democratic concerns

Fujimori's death is expected to reignite a resurgence of "Fujimorism," a right-wing political movement championed by his daughter, Keiko Fujimori. Despite her father's criminal convictions, Keiko Fujimori has positioned herself as his political heir, running for president in 2011, 2016, and 2021.

She has already signalled her intention to run again in 2026, buoyed by her father's legacy.

Just before his death, Peru's Congress passed a controversial law imposing a statute of limitations on crimes against humanity, effectively granting amnesty to historic human rights violators, including those from Fujimori's regime.

This law sparked outrage among human rights advocates, who fear that it could undermine accountability for the abuses committed during Peru's armed conflict, including the atrocities committed under Fujimori's leadership.

Can justice prevail for victims?

Fujimori's death has raised concerns about the future of ongoing legal battles. His passing means that some cases, like those related to coercive sterilizations, will end, as Peruvian law prevents civil reparations from being transferred to his heirs.

This has left many victims feeling cheated, as Fujimori will escape full accountability for his actions. However, human rights advocates see his death as an opportunity to redirect their efforts toward other figures involved in the abuses of his administration.

For many, the struggle for justice does not end with Fujimori's death. Relatives of victims are now focusing on preventing impunity for those responsible for human rights violations that took place under his regime and pushing back against the rehabilitation of his legacy.

Fujimori's passing, while marking the end of his life, has only deepened the ongoing debate about his impact on Peru. His death serves as a stark reminder of the country's unresolved issues surrounding authoritarianism, impunity, and the long-lasting effects of his divisive leadership.