The curious case of Alberto Fujimori

He started out as one of Peru’s most unexpected, and most well-respected political leaders. But today, former President Alberto Fujimori was sentenced to 25 years in jail for the killings and kidnappings that took place under his watch. The trial took place under close international watch — the first such proceeding for a democratically elected leader. Many hope it will set a precedent for ending impunity for the powerful the world over.

What remains just as fascinating as the trial, however, is Fujimori’s continued presence and legacy in Peru, where many remember histechnocratic leadership fondly (in 2002, Fujimori was more popular than the then president). Fujimori suppressed the Shining Path rebellion, undertook public works, and rehabilitated a broken economy even as he relied on shady characters to help enforce justice and keep the system in order. The former president’s daughter Keiko, now a congresswoman, is seen as a possible presidential candidate.

64 percent of Peruvians believed that Fujimori was guilty — certainly no way to lay down the law, but a good indicator of his waning brand name. Still, the “Fujimoristas” (yes, they even have a website) have hardly disappeared from Peru. And if they stay technocratic, without that whole death-squad part, they might even pick up a few votes in 2011.

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