Peru's Fujimori Asks for Forgiveness After Pardoning

 

Former Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori asked for forgiveness on Tuesday for mistakes during his authoritarian¹ rule of the country.

His statement came amid protests that began after Peruvian President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski pardoned Fujimori on December 24.

Fujimori, 79, ruled Peru from 1990 to 2000. He is remembered both for improving the economy and defeating the leftist rebels Shining Path. He was convicted in 2007 of abuse of power and bribery² and sentenced to six years in jail. In 2009, he was sentenced to another 25 years for human rights abuses.

The pardon cleared Fujimori of those crimes.

Thousands of Peruvians took to the streets Monday to protest the pardon. Many call it part of a deal reached to protect the current president from impeachment³ on corruption⁴ charges.

On Monday night, Kuczynski called for reconciliation⁵, asking Peruvians who opposed the pardon to “turn the page.” He also defended his decision on the basis of Fujimori’s worsening health. He added that Fujimori’s government helped Peru make progress.

On Tuesday, in a video published on Facebook, Fujimori promised that as a free man, he would support Kuczynski’s calls for reconciliation. The statement suggested he would not return to politics.

Fujimori read the statement from a hospital bed. “I’m aware the results of my government were well received by some, but I acknowledge that I also disappointed other compatriots,” he said. “And to them, I ask for forgiveness from the bottom of my heart.”

The remarks were Fujimori’s first direct apology to the nation.

I’m Ashley Thompson.

Words in This Story

reconciliation - n. the act of causing two people or groups to become friendly again after an argument or disagreement

turn the page - idiom. to make a fresh start; to move on.

acknowledge - v. to say that you accept or do not deny the truth or existence of (something) ?

compatriot - n. a person from the same country as someone else

1 authoritarian   

n./adj.专制(的)，专制主义者，独裁主义者

参考例句：

• Foreign diplomats suspect him of authoritarian tendencies.各国外交官怀疑他有着独裁主义倾向。
• The authoritarian policy wasn't proved to be a success.独裁主义的政策证明并不成功。

2 bribery   

n.贿络行为，行贿，受贿

参考例句：

• FBI found out that the senator committed bribery.美国联邦调查局查明这个参议员有受贿行为。
• He was charged with bribery.他被指控受贿。

3 impeachment   

n.弹劾；控告；怀疑

参考例句：

• Impeachment is considered a drastic measure in the United States.在美国，弹劾被视为一种非常激烈的措施。
• The verdict resulting from his impeachment destroyed his political career.他遭弹劾后得到的判决毁了他的政治生涯。

4 corruption   

n.腐败，堕落，贪污

参考例句：

• The people asked the government to hit out against corruption and theft.人民要求政府严惩贪污盗窃。
• The old man reviled against corruption.那老人痛斥了贪污舞弊。

5 reconciliation   

n.和解，和谐，一致

参考例句：

• He was taken up with the reconciliation of husband and wife.他忙于做夫妻间的调解工作。
• Their handshake appeared to be a gesture of reconciliation.他们的握手似乎是和解的表示。