Alberto Fujimori, Peru’s former president, has died at the age of 86, his daughter confirmed. Fujimori, who governed the country from 1990 to 2000, was ousted amid corruption allegations and later convicted of human rights abuses. His presidency was marked by a tough stance against left-wing guerrillas, which led to accusations of atrocities. However, many supporters credit him with defeating insurgents at a time when they were close to seizing power.

After fleeing the country, Fujimori was arrested, extradited, and convicted of several crimes, including corruption, abuse of power, and orchestrating two death squad massacres in the 1990s. His daughter, Keiko Fujimori, announced his death on social media, stating he passed away “after a long battle with cancer.” His doctor confirmed he had died of tongue cancer complications.

Fujimori had been serving a 25-year prison sentence but was released in December after serving more than 15 years, following a reinstated pardon. His death prompted supporters to gather outside his residence, and his children expressed their sorrow in a joint statement, asking for prayers.

A polarizing figure, Fujimori is seen by supporters as the man who saved Peru from the Shining Path, a Maoist rebel group, and stabilized the economy. For others, especially the families of victims, he is remembered as an authoritarian leader responsible for thousands of deaths, mostly of poor indigenous people, during his regime’s crackdown. Forced from office under corruption charges, he sought asylum in Japan before being arrested in Chile and brought back to Peru for trial.

Keiko Fujimori, now a prominent political leader in Peru, has announced plans to run again in the 2026 presidential elections.