Although originally set aside due to lack of evidence, a recent decision by the Peruvian parliamentary commission has re-opened the investigation into the forced sterilization of over 300,000 rural Peruvian women. This mass sterilization was allegedly supported by former President Alberto Fujimori. According to Peru’s Human Rights Commission, this ‘Voluntary Contraception Surgery’ was used on over 320,000 women between 1995 and 2000, allegedly to alleviate poverty in Peru’s poorest parts. The commission reports that eighteen women died as a direct result of this surgery, and thousands more have suffered psychologically from the trauma. Currently being charged with treason, corruption, and authorizing death squads in Peru, Mr. Fujimori is in Tokyo using his Japanese citizenship for protection.
