Citizens and members of human rights organizations march in Lima in protest against the humanitarian pardon granted to ex-President Alberto Fujimori by Peruvian leader Pedro Pablo Kuczynski.
The meeting point was Dos de Mayo Square. Once there, demonstrators headed to San Martin Square through Nicolas de Pierola Avenue before occupying major avenues in downtown Lima.
The Interior Ministry said police officers were given specific instructions to preserve public order, as well as to respect people's constitutional rights of freedom of assembly and speech.
Similar demonstrations are taking place in cities across the country including Chiclayo, Piura, Cusco, Arequipa, Ayacucho, Puno, Tacna, and Trujillo.
As is known, President Kuczynski —using his constitutional powers—
granted a humanitarian pardon to ex-President Fujimori, as well as seven other people in similar condition.
The announcement was made through an official statement on Sunday evening.
The decision clears Mr. Fujimori of convictions for human rights crimes before completion of a 25-year prison sentence.
Mr. Kuczynski affirmed the pardon was granted for humanitarian reasons in compliance with a prerogative given by the Constitution.
"I apologize to them from the bottom of my heart," he said in a video filmed from a hospital bed.
He also thanked Mr. Kuczynski for "his magnanimous gesture" of approving his pardon and said he would support his call for reconciliation.
(END) SMA/RMB/MVB
Published: 12/28/2017