The Special Criminal Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice has confirmed an earlier ruling that the pardon granted to former President Alberto Fujimori on 24 December 2017 has no legal effect. In an initial response to the decision, Erika Guevara-Rosas, Americas Director at Amnesty International, said:
“This decision represents the closure that victims of the crimes against humanity and serious human rights violations – crimes for which former President Fujimori was sentenced to 25 years in prison – have been waiting for. It comes after wounds were unnecessarily reopened by the decision to grant Fujimori a pardon on 24 December 2017. The decision also recognizes the historic struggle of the families, who have been defending their rights to truth, justice and reparation for decades.”
This decision represents the closure that victims of the crimes against humanity and serious human rights violations – crimes for which former President Fujimori was sentenced to 25 years in prison – have been waiting for.
Erika Guevara-Rosas, Americas Director at Amnesty International
“The Special Criminal Chamber appears to have been clear in establishing that crimes against humanity cannot go unpunished. It also points out the need to put in place a proper framework in law to ensure that decisions on granting pardons for crimes against humanity, including for humanitarian reasons, are reviewed by a judicial body, and that there is a legal basis for judicial decisions.”
We have witnessed the courage and determination of the victims and their families in their tireless struggle to reclaim their rights to justice, truth and reparation. They have inspired us to speak out against impunity and demand that justice prevail over all other considerations.
Marina Navarro, executive director of Amnesty International Peru
“Finally, the Special Criminal Chamber’s analysis and findings regarding the incompatibility of the pardon with Peru’s international obligations was carried out in accordance with the guidelines set out by the Inter-American Court of Human Rights. Amnesty International welcomes this closure for the victims and we will continue to offer them our solidarity and support.”
Marina Navarro, executive director of Amnesty International Peru, said:
“The Supreme Court decision puts an end to the unjust episode which began with the granting of a pardon to Alberto Fujimori. We have witnessed the courage and determination of the victims and their families in their tireless struggle to reclaim their rights to justice, truth and reparation. They have inspired us to speak out against impunity and demand that justice prevail over all other considerations.”
For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact Amnesty International press office: [email protected]