Peru: Demonstrations in Lima after presidential pardon Dec. 24

Event

President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski pardoned jailed former President Alberto Fujimori on Sunday, December 24, prompting hundreds of people to take to the streets in protest in the capital city of Lima. Protesters condemning the announcement gathered at Plaza San Martín before marching through the streets; clashes between protesters and police were reported on Jirón de la Unión and police reportedly resorted to tear gas to disperse the crowd. Meanwhile, gatherings by Fujimori supporters celebrating the announcement were also reported outside the hospital where the former president is receiving medical treatment. Additional demonstrations, and possible clashes, are possible in the coming days, particularly in Lima. 

President Kuczynski stated that the decision to pardon Fujimori had been made due to the former leader's ailing health. 

Context

Sunday's announcement comes after President Kuczynski survived an attempt by congress to remove him from office on Thursday, December 21. Kuczynski has been accused of accepting bribes from the Brazilian construction company Odebrecht for the procurement of public contracts. Ongoing investigations into the Odebrecht scandal have uncovered a widespread network of government officials bribed to secure contracts, implicating high-ranking politicians across Latin America. Fujimori's son, congressman Kenji Fujimori, was instrumental in voting down the motion to force Kuczynski out of office, prompting critics to denounce the move as a political exchange. 

Alberto Fujimori - in office from 1990 to 2000 - was jailed in 2009 on a number of charges, including the authorization of death squads and corruption. He was sentenced to 25 years in prison. 

Advice

Individuals in Peru are advised to stay informed of the evolving sociopolitical climate in the coming weeks and to avoid any protests as a precaution.