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Peru's Ousted President Alberto Fujimori Is Asking For Forgiveness

In 2009, Alberto Fujimori was sentenced to 25 years in prison for authorizing a death squad.

By: Casey Mendoza

Posted at 4:33 PM, Dec 26, 2017

and last updated 2017-12-26 16:33:05-05

Alberto Fujimori, Peru's notorious authoritarian former president, is asking for forgiveness.

Back in 2009, Fujimori was sentenced to 25 years in prison for authorizing a death squad that resulted in civilian deaths. The former president, however, likely won't serve that full sentence.

On Sunday, current Peruvian President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski granted a humanitarian pardon to Fujimori. Kuczynski cited the former president's failing health for his decision.

On his hospital bed, Fujimori expressed his gratitude toward Kuczynski. He also said: "I am aware that the results during my government on one side were well received. But I recognize that I have also disappointed others, and I ask them to forgive me with all my heart."

Kuczynski's pardon sparked mass protests in Peru. Some rallied outside Fujimori's hospital, chanting "traitor" and "the pardon has got to go."

Additional reporting from Newsy affiliate CNN.