The Road to Torture Begins With a Promise of Order: Lessons From Peru
Summary
Keiko Fujimori was recently elected president of Peru. The article reflects on her father Alberto Fujimori’s government, which defeated insurgents but was also linked to torture and human rights abuses, and warns of risks when governments promise security without clear limits on power.Key Facts
- Keiko Fujimori, daughter of former President Alberto Fujimori, was elected president of Peru.
- Alberto Fujimori’s government fought insurgent groups like the Túpac Amaru Revolutionary Movement (MRTA) in the 1990s.
- Human rights groups reported that intelligence agents tortured villagers suspected of helping insurgents during that time.
- In 1997, Peruvian forces ended a four-month hostage crisis involving the MRTA at the Japanese ambassador’s residence.
- Evidence showed some hostage-takers were executed after capture, which the government denied.
- The author covered these events and became committed to opposing torture after learning about abuses linked to his reporting.
- The article warns that torture often begins when societies accept stories that justify breaking laws to restore order.
- Keiko Fujimori campaigned on cracking down on crime with stronger laws and more military involvement, referring to her father’s tough approach to insurgencies.
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