Peru's Fujimori accuses government of hypocrisy
* Guilty verdict could facilitate other rights cases
* Panel expected to deliver its verdict on Tuesday
* International observers give trial high marks
By Marco Aquino
LIMA, April 3 (Reuters) - Former Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori on Friday wrapped up his defense in a 15-month trial by accusing the government of hypocrisy in prosecuting him and not other ex-leaders for alleged human rights crimes.
Speaking in a courtroom packed with photographers, his supporters and victims' relatives, Fujimori characterized the case against him as rumor and gossip, and said he was proud of his time as president in the 1990s.
"What difference is there? Why are Alan Garcia and Fernando Belaunde innocent and Alberto Fujimori guilty? Why the double standard?" asked Fujimori, who appeared energetic despite recent health problems.
He has complained of leg pain, had a lesion removed from his tongue and sometimes fallen sleep during the court sessions.
Garcia ruled from 1985-1990 and was re-elected in 2006, while Belaunde was president from 1980-1985. Both have been accused of human rights abuses in the 1980s.
Victims' lawyers say a guilty verdict for Fujimori, 70, might make it easier to bring charges against the other ex-presidents.
Fujimori was first elected in 1990, inheriting a country ensnarled in a civil war and devastated by runaway inflation. He stopped the conflict and spurred economic growth, but his critics say he trampled on human rights to do it.
Fujimori is charged with ordering kidnappings and two massacres in which 25 people died including students and a young boy. If convicted, he faces up to 30 years in prison.
Fujimori's trial, which began in December 2007, is a rare case of a former head of state being tried on rights crimes in his own country. Activists see it as a potential turning point for Peru, long hobbled by a weak judicial system.
His daughter, Keiko Fujimori, is a leading Peruvian congresswoman and considered a front-runner for the next presidential election in 2011.
A three-judge panel is expected to deliver its verdict on Tuesday. Some in Peru have questioned the court's objectivity, but international observers give the trial high marks for fairness. (Reporting by Marco Aquino; Writing by Dana Ford; Editing by Fiona Ortiz and Xavier Briand)
* Panel expected to deliver its verdict on Tuesday
* International observers give trial high marks
By Marco Aquino
LIMA, April 3 (Reuters) - Former Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori on Friday wrapped up his defense in a 15-month trial by accusing the government of hypocrisy in prosecuting him and not other ex-leaders for alleged human rights crimes.
Speaking in a courtroom packed with photographers, his supporters and victims' relatives, Fujimori characterized the case against him as rumor and gossip, and said he was proud of his time as president in the 1990s.
"What difference is there? Why are Alan Garcia and Fernando Belaunde innocent and Alberto Fujimori guilty? Why the double standard?" asked Fujimori, who appeared energetic despite recent health problems.
He has complained of leg pain, had a lesion removed from his tongue and sometimes fallen sleep during the court sessions.
Garcia ruled from 1985-1990 and was re-elected in 2006, while Belaunde was president from 1980-1985. Both have been accused of human rights abuses in the 1980s.
Victims' lawyers say a guilty verdict for Fujimori, 70, might make it easier to bring charges against the other ex-presidents.
Fujimori was first elected in 1990, inheriting a country ensnarled in a civil war and devastated by runaway inflation. He stopped the conflict and spurred economic growth, but his critics say he trampled on human rights to do it.
Fujimori is charged with ordering kidnappings and two massacres in which 25 people died including students and a young boy. If convicted, he faces up to 30 years in prison.
Fujimori's trial, which began in December 2007, is a rare case of a former head of state being tried on rights crimes in his own country. Activists see it as a potential turning point for Peru, long hobbled by a weak judicial system.
His daughter, Keiko Fujimori, is a leading Peruvian congresswoman and considered a front-runner for the next presidential election in 2011.
A three-judge panel is expected to deliver its verdict on Tuesday. Some in Peru have questioned the court's objectivity, but international observers give the trial high marks for fairness. (Reporting by Marco Aquino; Writing by Dana Ford; Editing by Fiona Ortiz and Xavier Briand)
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