Peru: Further anti-Fujimori protests in Lima Dec. 28-29 /update 2

Event

Further large-scale protests are set to take place in the capital Lima on Thursday, December 28, to denounce the recent pardoning of former President Alberto Fujimori. The gathering will occur at Lima’s Plaza San Martín beginning in the afternoon (local time); demonstrations in other parts of the city and elsewhere in the country are also likely. The Plaza San Martín protest is scheduled to continue until 21:00 on Friday.

Related protests on December 25 resulted in clashes between protesters and police, who used tear gas to disperse the crowds. Further violence is possible during Thursday’s protests, along with associated traffic disruptions.

Context

President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski pardoned Fujimori on December 24, sparking popular indignation and protests. President Kuczynski, who himself is mired in a political scandal, stated that the decision to pardon Fujimori had been made due to the former leader's ailing health.

Sunday's announcement came a few days after President Kuczynski survived an impeachment attempt by congress. Kuczynski has been accused of accepting bribes from the Brazilian construction company Odebrecht for the procurement of public contracts. 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 all protests as a precaution.