It has been 26 years since former President Alberto Fujimori mounted a self-coup in Peru to dissolve opposition-controlled Congress, replace most of the Judiciary, and take control of self-governing bodies.
Enjoying the support of Armed Forces that sent out tanks and soldiers into the streets, the measure allowed the then Head of State to concentrate power.
The breakdown of constitutional order was regarded as a blow against Peruvian democracy.
The photo gallery below gives a glimpse of the sad but historic event.
President Alberto Fujimori addressed the nation to announce a temporary closure of Congress, as well as the reorganization of the Judicial Branch, the National Council of the Magistracy, the Public Ministry, and the Comptroller General's Office.
A soldier guards the Congress façade, closed by order of the then-President Fujimori on April 5, 1992.
Army tanks and soldiers standing at Lima's Bolivar Square in front of Parliament headquarters after the Head of State announced the closure of Congress and setup of a National Reconstruction Government.
Tanks stood at the Justice Palace (Judiciary Branch), which underwent reorganization.
Armed Forces took to the streets.
A soldier and a tank positioned on a Lima district street.
Armed Forces' members took over public universities.
Chamber of Deputies President Roberto Ramirez del Villar was arrested at his house by order of the Government on April 5, 1992.
Peruvian press lodged a strong protest over the self-coup. La Republica daily published blank pages to symbolize the threat to press freedom.
Military forces ensured the Government's control over the media.
This was Fujimori's Cabinet following April 5 self-coup.
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Published: 4/5/2018