26 Dec 2017 | 04:47 PM UTC
Peru: Clashes at demonstrations in Lima December 25 /update 1
Police use tear gas to disperse hundreds of demonstrators in Lima December 25; additional protests likely in coming days in cities across the country
Event
Clashes between police and protesters occurred on Monday, December 25, in the capital city of Lima, as thousands of people gathered to protest the pardoning of jailed former President Alberto Fujimori. Crowds gathered in the San Isidro district and attempted to march to Fujimori’s home, but were stopped by police. Additionally, demonstrators tried to march on the hospital where Fujimori is receiving medical treatment, but were dispersed with tear gas by police. Associated demonstrations were also reported in the cities of Ayacucho, Puno, Tacna, and Trujillo. Additional demonstrations, and possible clashes, are likely in the coming days, particularly in Lima.
Context
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. President Kuczynski stated that the decision to pardon Fujimori had been made due to the former leader's ailing health.
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.
