• Press Release

Peru: Decision to overturn Fujimori pardon confirms that victims’ rights must take priority over political decisions

October 3, 2018

Peru's former President (1990-2000) Alberto Fujimori, arrives for the reading of the verdict on charges of embezzling state funds and using them to manipulate the media, at a police base in Lima on January 8, 2015. . The former leader is already serving a 25-year sentence over killings committed by a government-backed death squad. AFP PHOTO/ERNESTO BENAVIDES (Photo credit should read ERNESTO BENAVIDES/AFP/Getty Images)

In response to the decision of the Preparatory Trial Court of the Supreme Court of Justice to overturn the pardon granted to former President Alberto Fujimori on December 24, 2017, Erika Guevara-Rosas, Americas Director at Amnesty International, said:

“The court’s ruling is a victory for the victims of the serious human rights violations that former President Fujimori was sentenced to 25 years in prison for. It is an acknowledgment of the historic struggle of the families of the victims, who have for decades been defending their rights to truth, justice and reparation. This decision sends a clear message that crimes against humanity cannot go unpunished”.

“The Supreme Court clearly followed the path laid out by the Inter-American Court of Human Rights affirming that the pardon granted to former President Fujimori is incompatible with the international obligations of the Peruvian state. Amnesty International welcomes this decision and stands in solidarity with the victims, who expect full compliance with the sentences passed”.

Marina Navarro, Executive Director of Amnesty International Peru, said:

“The overturning of the Fujimori pardon is a triumph for the families of the victims, who have taken to the streets to demand respect for their rights to truth, justice and reparation. The Peruvian judicial authorities have sent a clear message in favor of the victims of serious human rights violations today”.