Angry Fujimori Denies Charges as Trial Starts

Ex-leader of Peru accused of ordering deaths of opponents
By Lucas Laursen,  Newser Staff
Posted Dec 11, 2007 6:23 AM CST
Angry Fujimori Denies Charges as Trial Starts
Former Peru's President Alberto Fujimori sits at the court during the first day of the trial on charges of alleged human rights violations and corruption during his government in Lima, Monday, Dec. 10, 2007. (AP Photo/Martin Mejia)   (Associated Press)

Former Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori angrily denied charges of murder and kidnapping in court yesterday. "I reject the charges entirely. I'm innocent," he shouted. He is on trial for ordering death squads to kill leftist sympathizers and others in the early 1990s. The trial is considered a watershed for Peru’s hobbled judicial system, reports the BBC.

"I never ordered the death of anybody," Fujimori shouted before settling down at the urging of the judge. The trial’s afternoon session was postponed when Fujimori’s doctors said he was suffering from “chronic hypertension.” Fujimori’s supporters say he brought the country out of economic collapse and staved off the Shining Path Maoist rebellion. The trial resumes Wednesday. (More Alberto Fujimori stories.)

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