Former Peruvian dictator Alberto Fujimori might once again escape the law. For the last year, Peruvian authorities have sought Fujimori’s extradition from Chile for human rights abuses he oversaw during the 1990s, but it’s not looking good. A Chilean judge denied Peru’s extradition request last month. Peru, of course, immediately appealed the decision. And Peruvians living in Chile also filed separate criminal charges hoping to tie up Fujimori in the courts rather than allowing him to flee should Peru’s appeal fall through.
The South American strongman seems to always be escaping the law. In 2000, a corruption scandal forced Fujimori to flee Peru allowing the South American nation to confront Fujimori’s human rights violations with a Truth and Reconciliation Commission similar to South Africa’s. Meanwhile, Fujimori’s Japanese descent afforded him safe exile in Japan from where he faxed in his resignation. During his exile, international arrest warrants building on the commission’s findings were issued by Interpol and Peru. But despite the possibility of capture, Fujimori attempted to slip back into Peru via Chile in 2005. And to run for president, no less. Chilean authorities apprehended him as the two countries have an extradition treaty.
But last month, a Chilean Judge turned down Peru’s request. Seemingly as a last resort, Peruvian ex-pats filed the new criminal charges, although, to no avail. Last week, the charges were quickly dismissed and it looks as if Chile’s supreme court could take three or more months to decide Fujimori’s fate. Without new charges, or some other divine hand, it looks like Fujimori might be back in Japan for Christmas.
—Rafael Valero
