Peru Mourns and Honors Controversial Leader Alberto Fujimori

Peru declared three days of national mourning for former President Alberto Fujimori, who died of cancer. Despite his convictions for human rights abuses and corruption, he was granted a state funeral. Fujimori, whose authoritarian rule saw economic reforms and the defeat of Shining Path rebels, remains a polarizing figure.

Peru's government declared three days of national mourning on Thursday following the death of former President Alberto Fujimori, who succumbed to cancer. Despite his convictions for human rights abuses and corruption, the ex-leader was granted a state funeral.

Fujimori, who led the country with an authoritarian grip from 1990 to 2000, passed away in Lima. After being pardoned on humanitarian grounds, he was freed from prison last December. His coffin is currently lying in state at the Ministry of Culture until Saturday, with President Dina Boluarte and his children, Keiko and Kenji, present during the proceedings.

The government's decision includes flying all flags on public buildings at half-staff, a directive documented in the federal register. Fujimori, originally an academic, won the 1990 elections and revived Peru's economy through bold reforms. However, his tenure ended amid scandal and his eventual flight to Japan in 2000. His 2009 conviction for human rights violations remains a point of contention.

(With inputs from agencies.)