Kin of Peru state violence victims reject incoming government

Relatives of victims of state violence in Peru held a vigil late Monday, rejecting president-elect Keiko Fujimori's incoming government.

More than 100 people gathered in central Lima on the eve of Fujimori's inauguration to demand justice for crimes including disappearances and murders committed under the government of her father, Alberto Fujimori.

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

Demonstrators held photos of the victims and placards reading, "Keiko must not take office."

Marly Anzualdo is still searching for the body of her brother Kenneth, who disappeared in 1993.

He was transported alive to army headquarters by intelligence services, according to the Inter-American Court of Human Rights.

"We expect nothing good from her... For so many years we have been fighting for justice to be done, and we know how they operate," she told AFP.

Demonstrators also criticized Fujimori's Fuerza Popular party for supporting amnesty laws favoring police and army members prosecuted for human rights violations during the 1980-2000 internal armed conflict.

"These proceedings, which have gone on for more than 30 years, were close to identifying those responsible," Anzualdo said.

Relatives of victims of the repression of protests under Dina Boluarte's government in 2022 and 2023 were also present.

They accuse Fujimori and her party of shielding Boluarte from the accusations brought against her in Congress.

"They governed together... and they have the blood of our loved ones on their hands," said Raul Samillan, whose brother Marco was shot dead during a 2023 protest.

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

Fujimori will take office on Tuesday, succeeding interim leader Jose Maria Balcazar. She will govern until 2031.