Peru's president has granted a medical pardon to jailed former authoritarian leader Alberto Fujimori, who was serving a 25-year sentence for human rights abuses and corruption.
A statement from President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski's office Sunday evening said the pardon was for humanitarian reasons. AP reports Fujimori has been seeking a pardon for more than a year due to illness.
Fujimori served as president of Peru from 1990 to 2000. He remains a divisive figure in Peru.
He is admired by some Peruvians for combating Maoist rebels, whereas his critics consider him a corrupt dictator.
In 2007, Fujimori was sentenced to six years in jail for bribery and abuse of power.
In 2009, he was sentenced to another 25 years in prison for human rights abuses committed during his time in office, including authorizing killings carried out by death squads.
His daughter Keiko Fujimori is a prominent politician who ran a credible but unsuccessful race for president. On Twitter she called this A great day for my family. Finally my father is free. This will be a Christmas of hope and joy.
