Kin of Peru state violence victims reject Fujimori's right to rule

Relatives of people who died at the hands of the Peruvian state over the years on Tuesday spurned president-elect Keiko Fujimori and her legitimacy to govern, citing the risk of democratic backsliding and judicial impunity.

Bereaved family members and civil society organizations signed a declaration that rejected the incoming conservative president, who is the daughter of disgraced ex-leader Alberto Fujimori.

Her father, who ruled from 1990 to 2000, was jailed for corruption and crimes against humanity committed in the name of fighting what he considered terrorism.

Gisela Ortiz, whose brother was kidnapped and murdered by an army death squad in 1992, added her name to the declaration.

"It is a statement from organizations of relatives and victims to reject this government of Keiko Fujimori, not to recognize her as president, and to point out that she has no legitimacy," Ortiz told AFP.

She said concerned families feared that another Fujimori administration would equate to "an authoritarian government with no guarantees of human rights."

Other signatories included those bereaved during Peru's internal armed conflict from 1980 to 2000 and during protests against Dina Boluarte's government in 2022 and 2023.

They also called for honoring victims of state violence, protecting judicial independence and monitoring by international organizations.

Fujimori will become Peru's ninth president this decade as the Andean nation grapples with chronic political instability.

The 51-year-old won elections by a hairbreadth and will take office on July 28.

She called for conciliation among differing political camps during an address last week, but bereaved families have dismissed the appeal and will protest on the day of her inauguration.

"We are not going to accept any reconciliation that comes without justice," said Milagros Samillan, whose sibling died during protests against Boluarte's administration.

"Talking with her is making a pact with the mafias," Samillan added.