The fate of ‘El Chino’ in the balance

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The media in Peru and Chile are filled with speculation on the case against ex-Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori, known in his Peruvian homeland as ‘El Chino,’ though he is actually of Japanese ancestry.

Fujimori, currently free on bail in Santiago, faces extradition back to Peru on corruption and human rights charges. Fujimori has denied committing any crimes during his decade-long presidency, which ended in 2000 when he fled to Japan and resigned via fax. Chile’s Supreme Court is expected to announce its ruling on the case shortly.

While the Lima newspaper La República cites ‘favorable winds’ for extradition, the Chilean daily La Nación reports that the judges are leaning against Peru’s request.

Posted by Patrick J. McDonnell and Andrés D’Alessandro in Buenos Aires

Photo: Alberto Fujimori; Credit: AP