              
             English Version
            
                    search
                    close

WOLA: Peru's Alberto Fujimori should return to prison

Photo: AFP

10:56 | Lima, Nov. 26.

Former Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori should return to prison to complete the sentence imposed by the Peruvian justice, Senior Fellow at the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA) Jo-Marie Burt said.

She recalled Fujimori did not suffer any serious illness that prevented his return to a penitentiary facility, which is why authorities are expected to proceed.

"I suppose they are afraid that it will result in a stronger re-victimization of Fujimori, causing controversy. Also, these decisions can be unpopular with a certain sector of the population but may be welcomed by others who want to enforce the law," she stated.

"Authorities need to take action and transfer Fujimori to jail," she added in statements to Andina news agency.

Dr. Burt believes Fujimori should serve his sentence as stipulated by the judge's ruling and ratified by Peru's Supreme Court of Justice.

Since the judgment against its leader —she commented— the Fujimorismo has questioned the process, citing a political persecution and an alleged bias of the courts and, once issued, they questioned the sentence in a political manner.

In this sense, a number of different measures have been proposed to restore his freedom, such as a habeas corpus and a pardon.

"Democratic forces and the country must be alert to prevent new violations of the due process and victims' rights, as was the case of the humanitarian pardon which —as has been clearly demonstrated— was granted for political reasons," she said.

As is known, Fujimori was pardoned by former President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski (2016-2018), who stepped down amid a political scandal last March.

Jo-Marie Burt thinks Congress should not insist on the bill to grant house arrest for some elderly convicts, which was observed by the Executive Power.

Even though it will benefit some seniors requiring release under supervision, the proposed law is aimed at directly helping ex-President Alberto Fujimori.

(END) FHG/CCR/RMB/MVB

Publicado: 26/11/2018