What's happened
Alberto Fujimori, former president of Peru, passed away on September 11, 2024, after a prolonged battle with cancer. His daughter, Keiko Fujimori, announced his death, highlighting his controversial legacy as a leader who stabilized the economy but also faced accusations of human rights abuses.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Sky News, Fujimori's daughter announced his death, stating, "After a long battle with cancer, our father... has just departed to meet the Lord." Al Jazeera emphasized his controversial rise to power, noting that he "attracted criticism for consolidating power through undemocratic means." The Guardian highlighted the enduring divisiveness of his legacy, stating, "Fujimori remains a highly divisive figure in Peru." These perspectives illustrate the complex nature of Fujimori's impact on Peruvian society and politics.
How we got here
Fujimori served as Peru's president from 1990 to 2000, gaining notoriety for his authoritarian rule and economic reforms. He fled to Japan amid corruption scandals but was later extradited to Peru, where he was convicted of human rights violations and corruption.
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