Andina

Peru President grants humanitarian pardon to Alberto Fujimori

19:13 | Lima, Dec. 24.

President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, using his constitutional powers, has decided to grant the humanitarian pardon to ex-President Alberto Fujimori, as well as seven other people in similar condition.

The announcement was made through an official statement on Sunday evening. 

"The President of the Republic, making use of the powers granted by the Constitution of Peru for such purposes, has decided to grant the humanitarian pardon to Mr. Alberto Fujimori and other seven people in similar conditions at 6PM on December 24, 2017," the document reads.

On December 11, former President Fujimori submitted a request to the National Penitentiary Institute (INPE) for a pardon and clemency based on humanitarian reasons.

"Signed by the inmate himself, the request activated the due process expected for such purposes the same day," the document continues.

Likewise, an official medical board assessed Fujimori, thus determining he has a progressive, degenerative and incurable disease and that imprisonment conditions pose a serious risk to his life, health, and integrity.

"According to the regular procedure, the medical board's report was submitted to the Presidential Pardons Committee, which recommended the President of the Republic —considering the health status of the inmate and other seven prisoners— to grant the pardon for humanitarian reasons," reads the statement.

As is known, Fujimori ruled Peru between 1990 and 2000. He returned to Lima extradited from Chile in 2007 and was sentenced to 25 years in prison in 2009.

The former Head of State, 79, was rushed from his cell to a clinic in Lima on Saturday evening. 

Gathered outside the clinic, a group of supporters expressed their support and joy after hearing the reports of the pardon.

(END) JCC/MVF/RMB/MVB 

Published: 12/24/2017