This Dec. 10 article incorrectly said that former Peruvian president Alberto Fujimori could be sent to prison for life if convicted on charges of human rights abuses. He would face as much as 30 years in prison.
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Peru Ambivalent As Ex-Leader Faces Trial for Massacres
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In addition to the Colina Group killings, Fujimori also faces charges related to the 1992 abduction of journalist Gustavo Gorriti and businessman Samuel Dyer. Separate corruption charges center on bribes given to lawmakers and other influential public figures.
Human Rights Watch, a nongovernmental organization, helped to compile evidence for the extradition process regarding Fujimori's involvement in human rights abuses. Jos¿ Miguel Vivanco, executive director of the organization's Americas division, said that he believes linking the 69-year-old ex-president to the Barrios Altos and La Cantuta massacres will not be difficult.
"Our report on Fujimori shows that there was substantial evidence, including statements by Colina Group members, that Fujimori knew of and authorized the operations of the Colina Group," Vivanco said. "In fact, Fujimori specifically promoted Colina Group members at the time of the group's creation."
Despite such evidence, Fujimori's backers contend that he is a victim of a political smear campaign that won't survive the scrutiny of a fair trial.
"President Fujimori has already been sentenced by politicians, by these nongovernmental organizations and the media, but the hour of truth is coming," said Rep. Carlos Raffo, a Fujimorista and a close associate of the former leader.
Though a verdict concerning the most serious charges will be a long time coming, a verdict on another case of illegal search-and-seizure is expected to be delivered Tuesday. That trial was conducted in Fujimori's absence, with prosecutors alleging that he illegally ordered the search of the home of the wife of Vladimir Montesinos, his former security chief and closest adviser, in a bid to destroy evidence.
Montesinos had been wanted at the time for money laundering, and Fujimori has said he ordered the search as part of a nationwide manhunt.
Montesinos, who is currently in prison, is expected to be one of the most important witnesses in the upcoming trials. His testimony, and that of others, could go a long way in determining how Fujimori's legacy will ultimately be viewed by many Peruvians.
